Hydropower plant announced emergency water release just 30 minutes in advance, causing fear among residents

Ban Ang Hydropower Dam at 9:00 a.m. August 4, 2019.

On the morning of August 4, the water level downstream of Nam Mo River suddenly rose and flowed rapidly. The water from Ban Ang Hydropower Plant poured down the river. Hundreds of households living along the river were scared.

Emergency water discharge notice of Ban Ang Hydropower Plant.

Mr. Luong May Hai's house (Ang village - Xa Luong) is only about 50m from the foot of the hydroelectric dam. Less than 10m from the foundation of the house is the edge of the raging river. "This morning I heard the announcement on the loudspeaker that they would release the floodwaters after 30 minutes," Mr. Hai said, adding that his family only had time to clean up their belongings.

Mrs. Kha Thi Bich said that every time the hydroelectric plant releases flood water, the foundation of her house shakes, making her feel very scared.

The water level downstream of Ban Ang Hydropower Plant at 9:30 am on August 4 was very high. However, some people still ventured down to Nam Mo River to catch fish.

Mr. Luong Van Hoang (68 years old) said that if the factory had notified a few hours in advance, people would feel more secure, because people are not always at home to take precautions, while children go to the river to watch whenever they see high water.

In the announcement issued on the morning of August 4, Ban Ang Hydropower Plant stated: "Currently, the water flow to Ban Ang Hydropower Reservoir is maintained at about 250m³/s, Ban Ang Hydropower Plant discharges water through the generator and through the spillway gate, the total discharged water flow is balanced with the water flow to the lake according to the approved reservoir process".

A large amount of water poured into Ban Ang Hydroelectric Reservoir due to heavy rain upstream of Nam Mo River.

Mr. Phan Manh Hung - Head of the Operation Team of Ban Ang Hydropower Plant said that this unit sent out a notice at 7:00 a.m. on August 4 and discharged water 30 minutes later with a volume of 200m3.³/S.

According to a leader of Tuong Duong district, the water discharge of Ban Ang Hydropower Plant was due to an emergency when the water flow into the lake was relatively large. If following the procedure, hydropower reservoirs must notify local authorities and people in the affected area 4 hours in advance before releasing water.

Khe Bo Hydropower Plant in Tam Quang Commune (Tuong Duong) also announced on the morning of August 4 that it will release flood water at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon at a level of 700 - 2,500m.³/S.