Hydroelectric lakes spell flood trouble in south-central Vietnam

November 03, 2010 | 11:56

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Vietnam’s southern central province of Phu Yen is facing its most critical flood threats in history due to the discharge of three hydroelectric lakes.

Many villages have been isolated by the flood

On Tuesday morning, the Ba Ha hydroelectric lake discharged water with an output of 2,500 cubic metres per second. It would increase the output to between 4,000 and 5,000 cubic metres per second on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, the hydroelectric lake of Hinh River had discharged water with an output of 1,000 cubic metres per second. The water level of the Krong H’Nang hydroelectric lake reached a high of 255 metres. The lake is also expected to discharge water on Tuesday.

With three hydroelectric lakes together discharging water, the Tuy Hoa city of Phu Yen province is forecast to face flood waters with a current of 6,000 cubic metres per second on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, floods caused by heavy rains continued to batter south-central provinces in the country.

According to the provincial board for flood and storm prevention and control, at least six people have been killed and four others remain missing due to floods by 19pm November 1. Some 186 houses collapsed and nearly two thousand others were submerged.

Water levels of many rivers have been rising heavily. Many roads were flooded, causing traffic jams and limiting transportation.

It is forecast that rains would continue in Phu Yen and other south-central provinces and highland areas in several forthcoming days.