According to the reporter's records, from the afternoon of August 14, the left bank of the Da River - the section from the foot of the dam to the point near the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant flood discharge gate, Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province was bustling with people coming to sightsee.
The information about Hoa Binh Lake opening an additional bottom spillway was released on August 12, causing many people to arrange their work to "respect" the rare sight.
The loud sound of the discharge, each column of white water was launched straight into the river, foam spewed, and the steam rose coolly, blurring the glasses and phones.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thai (65 years old, Hoa Binh ward) said: "I have lived near the hydropower plant for many years, but not every year I get to see such a majestic flood discharge. Standing nearby to see how strong the water is, both beautiful and a little scary".
Many people brought their children to near the Da River bank to sightsee. Some young people even prepared cameras to record the moment the hydropower plant released floodwaters.
To serve the sightseeing and check-in needs of people and tourists from morning to night, restaurants and water shops have gradually sprung up along the foot of the hydroelectric dam. In the afternoon, shops and restaurants were crowded with people and cars.
"Every time the hydropower plant releases floodwaters, the restaurant is several times more crowded than usual. Not only local people but many tourists from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, even foreign visitors have visited.
Seeing people from other places come to see the "specialty" of my hometown, I also feel excited", said Ms. Le Thi Anh Tuyet (29 years old), owner of a water shop at the foot of the hydroelectric dam.
The darker it gets, the more bustling the foot of the dam becomes. Lamps from tea shops and restaurants splashed down onto the river surface. The sound of water Escaping in the middle of the night blends with the bustling chats of each group of guests.
"This is the first time I have seen hydropower plants release floodwaters. Seeing it online was impressive, but only seeing it with your own eyes can you see how fierce the water is.
In the evening, I went to see the night view and sit on the shore to sipping a glass of beer with a group of friends, enjoying the cool air blowing up from the river, said Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Nhu (32 years old), a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City.
The authorities have erected barriers and placed warning signs, advising people not to cross the fence or approach the riverbank. Despite their curiosity, most viewers followed the instructions and kept a safe distance.
Mr. Pham Van Vuong - Director of Hoa Binh Hydropower Company informed that the company and Phu Tho province have informed about releasing floodwaters from Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir so that areas near the riverbank can proactively take preventive measures to ensure the safety of people and property.
As of 11pm on August 14, the upstream water level of Hoa Binh Lake was at 105.03m; total discharge was 5504m3/s. Up to this point, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant is opening 2 bottom spillways.
