Desolate, dead forest at the bottom of the largest hydroelectric reservoir in North Central Vietnam
(Baonghean.vn) - On both sides of Ban Ve Hydroelectric Reservoir, dead forests appeared as water receded to a record level.
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| At this time, the water level in the Ban Ve Hydropower Reservoir is at a record low. According to local people, this is the first time they have witnessed the water level drop like this since the hydropower plant began storing water. When the water level drops, the Ban Ve Reservoir reveals dry, dead forests. "When the water rises, these forests are submerged so they cannot be seen. Now that the water has receded, it looks like a field of spikes," said Mr. Lo Van Phong, a resident of Huu Khuong Commune (Tuong Duong District). |
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| On both sides of the lake, natural forests or bamboo forests, crops of people who used to settle here, are exposed on the cracked ground. |
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| Under the water, there were also ancient tree stumps. All were stained with a dry, withered color. |
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| This land used to be the residence of Xieng Lam villagers (Huu Khuong commune), now only traces remain. |
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| People's household items are still lying around, left behind when the water recedes. |
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| Locals here said: In the past, this ancient tree had to be submerged deep to anchor boats, but now it is dozens of meters tall. |
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| Fishing nets and utensils caught on dry trees on both sides of the lake are a testament to the harshness of the drought. |
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| Dry trees lie scattered, making it more difficult for boats to move around. "This season, we have to go through the dry trees to get around. During flood season, fallen trees float back and lie all over the lake, which is extremely dangerous," said a boatman on Ban Ve Lake. |
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| There were too many dry trees, so some local people took advantage of the situation by sawing down good wood and bringing it back for use. |