River and sea dikes in Nghe An face the challenge of natural disasters.
Over the years, Nghe An province has focused on investing in upgrading its dike system. However, reality shows that the disaster resistance capacity of many dikes remains low, and some dikes do not meet the requirements for protecting people and property, especially in the context of climate change.
Some dikes are not strong enough to withstand storms and floods.
Based on field inspections and assessments of the current state of dike structures before the 2025 flood season, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Nghe An province has concluded on the flood control capacity of each dike line in the province.
Accordingly, the current level II Ta Lam dike is capable of withstanding flood levels corresponding to a design frequency of P=1%. However, in addition to the key areas of Yen Xuan and Phu Khanh, authorities note the need to closely monitor developments at the Nam Dan 2 sluice gate - a structure that has been in operation since 2018.
With the Tả Lam dike of class III and IV, the flood control capacity also meets the design requirement of P=1%. Notably, the dike section from K9+000 to K10+890 is under construction but has already ensured the flood control elevation; however, special attention needs to be paid to the two drainage culverts through the dike built during the French colonial period, which are still in operation.
For other river dikes, most meet alarm level III, except for the right bank dike of the Lam River in Thanh Chuong district (formerly), which only reaches alarm level II. In general, these dikes are not yet capable of withstanding floods at the design frequency of P=1% as in the Ca River Basin Flood Control Plan; therefore, increased patrolling and monitoring are needed during the rainy season.
In the estuary dike system, a total of 81.3 km of dikes have been upgraded, ensuring protection against level 10 storms and average tides with a frequency of P=5%. However, the remaining 47.87 km of dikes are only strong enough to withstand level 7-8 storms. The unupgraded sections are mainly concentrated in Hoang Mai town and the former Quynh Luu district – areas requiring strict monitoring during the rainy season.
Regarding the sea dike system, the sections have been invested in and repaired, but currently they are only designed to withstand storms of level 10 and high tides with a frequency of P=5%. Meanwhile, major storms of levels 11 and 12 combined with high tides can easily cause water to overflow the dike crest, leading to dike breaches or serious erosion, directly affecting the lives of people and coastal infrastructure.
The recent Typhoon No. 10 (Typhoon Bualoi) proved the extent of the damage. Large waves combined with high tides severely damaged the seawall and pedestrian walkways along Cua Lo beach. The Cua Lo seawall project, with a total length of 4.3 km, was designed as a level IV structure, capable of withstanding level 10 typhoons and rising sea levels.
However, after just one major storm, some sections of this embankment could not withstand the elements. The concrete surface of the embankment cracked and crumbled into large pieces, many slabs were swept away into the sea, and others were tossed ashore. Many sections of the sturdy reinforced concrete embankment were torn apart and shattered by the waves. The system of steps leading to the sea and the drainage pipes were displaced and severely damaged.
According to statistics from the People's Committee of Cua Lo Ward, Typhoon Bualoi caused the collapse of 5 sections of the seawall, each over 50 meters long. The damage is not limited to infrastructure but also causes concern among local residents ahead of the next rainy season. Mr. Tran Minh Tien, a resident of Cua Lo Ward, shared: “I’ve lived here for 8 years, but this is the first time I’ve seen the sea level rise so high. The seawall is very important in preventing water from flooding the land, so I hope the authorities will repair it soon to ensure safety.”
Mr. Hoang Minh Tho, Deputy Head of the Economic and Infrastructure Department of Cua Lo Ward, said that with the sections of the sea embankment that have collapsed, the People's Committee of the ward has proposed that Nghe An province soon provide solutions for repair and upgrading to ensure safety during the upcoming rainy season.
Not only in Cua Lo ward, but also in Quynh Phu commune, the 2.189 km long sea dike is currently in serious disrepair. Every rainy season, seawater frequently overflows, threatening residential areas. Mr. Tran Van Minh, a resident of Quynh Phu commune, said: “If a major storm hits accompanied by heavy rain and high tides, severe flooding is very likely to occur. We have to fill sandbags ourselves to reinforce our houses. People are very eager for the sea dike to be upgraded promptly to protect their lives and property.”
Mr. Ho Van Thanh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Phu commune, added: The entire commune has more than 9 km of sea dykes with over 5,000 households living along the route. Although this dyke has been upgraded previously, it still needs continued support from the State to build and raise the dyke crest to ensure more effective wave protection and prevention of rising sea levels.
A similar situation is occurring in Vinh Loc ward. The Rao Dung dike, a crucial structure protecting over 200 hectares of agricultural land and 220 households in Vinh Loc ward, has seriously deteriorated. The recent storm caused over 300 meters of the dike to collapse, with many sections sinking and cracking. Mr. Le Van Tan, a resident of Thai Binh block, said: “This is a vital dike. Currently, the dike is severely damaged, threatening the property and lives of the people, and urgently needs repair.”
Mr. Bui Xuan Thanh, a specialist from the Economic Department of Vinh Loc ward, said: "Due to the impact of typhoon No. 10, large waves and high tides have caused the dike to erode and crack for more than 350 meters. The ward has compiled a report and submitted it to the Provincial People's Committee to request funding for repair and reinforcement."
A comprehensive and long-term solution is needed.
According to a report from the Nghe An Irrigation Department, the province currently has 492.38 km of dike systems of all types, including 53.43 km of sea dikes, 133.77 km of river mouth dikes, 155.09 km of river dikes, and 150.09 km of inland dikes, scattered across 37 communes and wards.
Although many sections of the dikes have been repaired, the lack of synchronized and comprehensive investment has resulted in many sections, especially sea dikes, not meeting flood control design standards. In particular, some sections have weak dike foundations, making them susceptible to landslides during heavy rains or strong waves.
There are five critical dike sections along the left bank of the Lam River: Yen Xuan (Hung Nguyen Nam commune), Phu Khanh (Lam Thanh commune), Hoa Lac (Van An commune), Cam Thai (Dai Dong commune), and Phuong Ky (Do Luong commune). The provincial People's Committee has approved dike protection plans for all of these critical sections.
In addition, the entire province has 40,828 km of dykes directly connected to the sea, passing through localities such as: Quynh Mai Ward (1,479 km), Tan Mai Ward (2,294 km), Quynh Phu Commune (8,019 km), Quynh Anh Commune (3,876 km), Hai Chau Commune (9,543 km), Dien Chau Commune (2,468 km), An Chau Commune (7,91 km), Hai Loc Commune (1,884 km), Trung Loc Commune (0.7 km) and Cua Lo Ward (2,664 km).
Mr. Ngo Tung Lam, Head of the Dike Management Department of the Nghe An Irrigation Sub-Department, said: Given the complex developments of the floods, the Irrigation Sub-Department requests that localities proactively review and identify vulnerable and damaged dike sections to coordinate timely responses when heavy rains occur. Plans for relocating residents to safe areas should be prepared. At the same time, inspection and monitoring forces must be strengthened to detect and promptly handle dike incidents from the outset, especially at vulnerable dike sections.
Local authorities are also required to develop specific scenarios, clearly assign tasks, and mobilize forces quickly to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters, and to stabilize production and people's lives as soon as possible.
Relevant units need to urgently inspect the entire dike system, and prepare sufficient personnel, materials, and equipment according to the "four on-the-spot" principle. In particular, the assignment, delegation, and clarification of responsibilities for each agency, unit, and individual must be carried out seriously to avoid a passive or confused situation, especially after the organizational merger.
Although the dike system in Nghe An has received investment, it still faces many shortcomings and has not kept pace with climate change and the increasing intensity of natural disasters. A comprehensive investment strategy, thorough upgrading, and effective management are needed to ensure the safety of the people and the sustainable development of coastal and riverside areas.
