According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on August 25, storm No. 5 (Kajiki) will continue to maintain a very strong intensity when it makes landfall in the North Central provinces.
The wind near the storm center will reach level 14, gusting to level 17, accompanied by widespread heavy rain from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri. Many places are forecast to have rainfall exceeding 400mm, even locally up to 700mm.
Although the center of the storm did not fall directly into Phu Tho, due to wide circulation, the Northwestern and midland provinces, including Hoa Binh hydroelectric reservoir, were all affected by prolonged heavy rain.
It is forecasted that in the two days of August 25 - 26, Phu Tho province will continue to have moderate rain, heavy rain and thunderstorms, some places will have very heavy rain with a total common amount of 50 - 100mm, locally higher. During thunderstorms, there is a potential risk of tornadoes, lightning, strong gusts of wind; the risk level of natural disasters due to heavy rain is warned at level 1.
Local authorities recommend that people in low-lying areas and along rivers and streams should closely monitor weather reports and warnings from authorities to proactively prevent flash floods and landslides.
In the context of complicated floods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has requested Hoa Binh Hydropower Company to adjust the operation of reservoirs. On August 18, one bottom spillway was closed to control water levels; on August 19, another gate was closed to reduce downstream flow pressure.
These flexible and proactive regulatory measures aim to balance two goals: keeping the project safe and minimizing the risk of sudden flooding in the Red River Delta during the impact of storm No. 5.
Speaking to Lao Dong Newspaper reporter, Mr. Pham Van Vuong - Director of Hoa Binh Hydropower Company informed that the water level of Hoa Binh Lake is lower than the water level prescribed in the Inter-reservoir Operation Procedure (101m).
As of 11:00 on August 25, the upstream water level of Hoa Binh Lake was at 99.59m; the total discharge was 2,040 m3/s and continued to decrease.
According to Mr. Vuong, the company is closely monitoring the development of floods, water flow to the lake as well as the water level upstream - downstream, and promptly reporting to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and competent authorities. The unit also coordinated with Son La Hydropower Plant in the upstream to proactively plan operations, be ready to receive floods and cut floodwaters downstream when necessary.
Proactiveness in management not only ensures safety for key national projects but also contributes to protecting the lives and property of people in the downstream area in the context of unpredictable developments of storm No. 5.
