In late June, when the down season showers continuously fell on the Northwest mountains, water from streams and river branches poured in, causing the Hoa Binh hydroelectric reservoir to change significantly. If less than a month ago, many sections of the reservoir were dry and had no bottom, now the immense water has returned, covering the wharves, carrying the rhythm of life and the hope of the people living along the lake.
According to Lao Dong Newspaper reporters on June 22 at Ba Cap port area, Thai Binh ward (Hoa Binh city), the water level in the lake has risen significantly, estimated at about 5 meters higher than when it was dry in early June. The water surface has now evenly covered the foot of the wharf, creating conditions for waterway vehicles to resume operation.
From early morning, the entire port area was bustling with people passing by. The sound of the boat's engine echoed throughout the lake. Trucks and passenger cars poured in continuously, people carrying goods and tourists got into and out of the wharf busily. The motorboats that had previously anchored due to low water have now started picking up tourists to visit Coconut Island, Xanh Island, Ngoi Hoa Village...
Mr. Bui Van Thoat, a long-time boat owner specializing in transporting tourists on the lake, excitedly said: "My boat had to be ashore for nearly a month because the water was low and it could not move. Now the water level is stable, more customers have booked to Coconut Island, Xanh Island, and raft houses. There are days when I run 8-9 trips, it's fun!
The bustling atmosphere does not only come from transportation activities, but also from the increasing number of tourists flocking to the lake. According to the reporter's observation, each group of young visitors wore life jackets, took photos, filmed videos, and enjoyed the fresh air in the clear blue lake.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: I was surprised because the lake water is very clear and beautiful. The scenery on both banks is very majestic, with fish rafts and floor houses lying around, which are very poetic. This is an ideal destination if you want to avoid the heat of the city and immerse yourself in nature.
Along the wharf, local people also take advantage of fishing. Some cage fish farming households have begun to recover operations after many weeks of stagnation due to dry water.
Many boat owners expect the water level to continue to be stable to maintain the transportation schedule to communes in the low-lying areas of the lake. Some households that make a living from community tourism are also preparing to reopen food and beverage services after a long period of closure due to unfavorable natural conditions.
On the afternoon of June 22, speaking with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Pham Van Vuong - Director of Hoa Binh Hydropower Company - said: "The water level of Hoa Binh Lake is currently at 93 meters (the dead water level is 80 meters).
Previously, on June 8, the water level was more than 85m - lower than the same period last year but was still normal, more than 5m from the dead water level.
