In late September 2025, Lao Dong Newspaper reporters were present at the fishing village (Group 14, Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province), about 3km from the foot of Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant.
Contrary to the image of the rainy season, the Da River section downstream here is running low, with many sand dunes and large rocky beaches, stretching out in the middle of the flow.
Actual records show that the water level of the Da River downstream has decreased significantly compared to the time Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant released floodwaters in July - August 2025. Many large sand dunes are clearly visible in the middle of the river, easily observed from the shore.
Looking down from above, the sand bars emerging like a light yellow strip in the middle of the blue water, creating a rather unusual scene. Local people said that this image rarely appears, only when the hydropower plant closes the spillway and the water level drops, can the alluvial plains and rock fields that are located deep under the riverbed be discovered.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dung (42 years old), a fisherman who has been fishing for nearly 20 years, shared: "In the past few days, boats have traveled more slowly, because many places have sand floating like a shore. However, fishing is more beneficial in return, as fish often gather in deep water holes. We are used to the situation where water fluctuates erratically, as long as we know how to cope, we can still survive.
Mr. Ngo Van Thong - Head of Van Chau hamlet said: "Compared to July when Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant released floodwaters, the river water level is now nearly 20m lower. This is a significant decrease, causing many areas of the riverbed that was deeply flooded to now become large sandbanks, clearly showing a gap in the middle of the flow".
According to Mr. Thong, the main reason is that Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant has closed the floodgates after the peak of the rainy season, while regulating the amount of water for power generation and storage for the dry season.
"The low water level does not greatly affect the lives of fishermen. People still fish and raise aquatic products normally. Only when the water is too low, boats have difficulty moving, or the water rises suddenly, too fast, will it cause obstacles, he added.
Talking to PV of Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Pham Van Vuong - Director of Hoa Binh Hydropower Company said that the closure and opening of the spillway depends on water flow from upstream and the need to regulate power generation. Even during the rainy season, the downstream water level is not always high. This situation could continue for many more weeks to come, until the hydroelectric reservoir increases its water discharge.
