In early April 2025, reporters from Lao Dong Newspaper were present at Lang Van Chua (Group 14, Thinh Lang Ward, Hoa Binh City), about 3km from the foot of Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant.
The fact that the water level of the Ha Du river has dropped significantly compared to the time of flood discharge hydroelectricity (July, August, September 2024). Many large sand dunes are clearly revealed in the middle of the river bed, which can be observed with the naked eye from the shore.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Ngo Van Thong - head of Van Chau hamlet said that the water level of Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir is currently nearly 20m lower than at the time of flood discharge.
According to Mr. Thong, this is a relatively familiar phenomenon in the dry season, when there is less rain, the water flow decreases sharply. Along with that, the hydropower plant still maintains the operation of generators, causing the water level on the reservoir to continue to drop.
"Fishing and aquaculture activities are still taking place normally. If the water is too low or rises too quickly, too large, it can be affected.
From around May to June, when the peak dry season enters, the water level may continue to decrease. At that time, the negative impact on people's livelihoods will be more obvious," Mr. Thong shared.
Some people take advantage of the phenomenon of receding water to plant crops on temporary alluvial plains. Ms. Ngo Thi Luyen shared: "I took the opportunity to bring corn and beans to plant on the coastal sand. If it does not rain heavily soon, it will be enough to have a crop. Doing so is just to take advantage of the vacant land, and not dare to expect much".
In addition, the sharp decrease in water level exposing many sand dunes and the blue water of the lake has created a beautiful natural landscape.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Le Thanh Binh - Chairman of the People's Committee of Thinh Lang Ward said that the low water level of the Da River in the dry season is a natural law, and has been regularly monitored by the locality.
"Currently, the water level is decreasing slowly for a long time, so up to this point it has not caused a big impact on people raising and fishing in the downstream area. The ward government has also proactively warned people not to arbitrarily move to sandbanks in the middle of the river to avoid the risk of landslides or sudden rising water, causing danger," Mr. Binh informed.
