2:00 p.m. August 28, open 2 spillway gates on Thac Ba hydroelectric reservoir

Specifically, at 9:00 a.m. on August 28, the upstream water level of Thac Ba Lake was at 58.02 m, the inflow to the lake was 281 m3/s, and the discharge was 257 m3/s. Implementing the inter-reservoir operation process on the Red River basin in Decision No. 740/QD-TTg dated June 17, 2019 of the Prime Minister; Resolution No. 102/NQ-CP dated June 29, 2024 of the Government on ensuring the direction and operation of natural disaster prevention and control during the period of perfecting the civil defense command and control agencies at all levels, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development ordered the Director of Thac Ba Hydropower Joint Stock Company to open 2 spillways on the surface of Thac Ba Hydropower Lake at 2:00 p.m. on August 28.

Thac Ba Hydropower Joint Stock Company closely monitors the developments of floods and rains, construction safety, flow to the reservoir, water levels upstream and downstream of the reservoir, and promptly reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (through the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention) and relevant agencies as prescribed.

On the same day, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Document No. 6365/BNN-DD to the People's Committees of Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc and Hanoi provinces and cities on ensuring downstream safety when operating Thac Ba Hydropower Reservoir.

The document clearly states that, to ensure the safety of works and activities along the river, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development requests the People's Committees of the above provinces and cities to immediately notify authorities at all levels, people, and organizations operating on the river, along the river; aquaculture facilities, water transport vehicles; ferry terminals. At the same time, review and ensure the safety of works under construction; activities of sand and gravel exploitation, gathering, and transit to know the information about the flood discharge of Thac Ba hydropower reservoir to proactively take preventive measures, ensuring the safety of people and property.

The People's Committees of provinces and cities shall direct relevant agencies and units to coordinate with reservoir owners to find solutions to ensure safety for curious people approaching the flood discharge area; at the same time, promptly report and propose solutions to handle unusual situations that may occur during the flood discharge process to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (through the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention).