Mr. Tran Quang Hoai - Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control chaired the meeting
Attending the meeting were representatives of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration, Vietnam Electricity Group and 06 inter-reservoir consulting units including Vietnam Institute of Meteorology Hydrology and Climate Change, Institute of Water Resources Planning, Institute of Mechanics, The Vietnam Institute for Water Resources Research, Thuyloi University, Viet Nam Disaster Management Policy and Technology Center (DMPTC).
Commenting on the rain and flood in the coming time, Mr. Vu Duc Long - Deputy Director of NCHMF stated, from today to October 4, rain still takes place in the Northern region, with rainfall from 50-100mm. From October 5, there will be a cold air wave and it will cause rain from October 6-12 in the Northern region with rainfall from 100-250mm. From October 12 to the end of October, rain will continue in the North with rainfall decreasing by 40-70 mm. The average flow to the hydroelectric reservoirs upstream of the Red River basin from September 28 to October 3 will be about 3400 m3/s, from October 4 to October will be about 2900 m3/s.
Overview of the meeting
At the meeting, there were 05/06 consulting units proposing to keep the current operating status of reservoirs, not open the flood discharge gate of Son La hydroelectricity, and at the same time continue to closely monitor rainfall and hydrological situation within the next 6 hours to have appropriate calculations, close to reality to ensure both economic development harmonization and safety in the operation of the reservoir.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Ngo Manh Ha - Department of Water Resources Management - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said that on the proposal of Vietnam Electricity to allow water storage of Son La hydropower reservoir higher than normal water level, this should be clarified on how much higher and which period to maintain before discharging to ensure safety of the works and downstream.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hai - Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Disaster Response and Recovery said that it is necessary to carefully calculate, currently the reservoirs are at the normal water rise level and according to the forecast, the water flow to reservoirs will still be available in the next 1-2 weeks. Therefore, there should have an optimal discharge plan to ensure safety for the works and downstream. Mr. Le Minh Nhat - Deputy Director of Department of Natural Disaster Response and Recovery proposed to continue to monitor the situation and maintain the status of reservoir operation until 7 am tomorrow (September 29).
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Khuong The Anh - Director of Son La Hydropower Plant said that Son La lake is still in a safe state, the company is currently inspecting the works and the lake bed to ensure the safety. The company will continue to monitor hydrometeorological developments, calculate and promptly report to the Central Steering Committee, Vietnam Electricity Group and other related agencies.
Concluding at the meeting, Mr. Tran Quang Hoai - Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee suggested consulting units to calculate the operation of inter-reservoirs and the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting should release the official news this afternoon. Regularly monitor the changes of rain and flood, continuously update the situation, provide reports and warnings, promptly report to the Steering Committee and relevant agencies to serve the direction and administration, have plans for flood and rain situations. Consulting units need to calculate and have an official report on the reservoir management on the Red River basin and send it to the Steering Committee before 2pm on September 28 to synthesize and report to seek guidance of Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung - Head of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.
Hydropower companies and Vietnam Electricity shall strictly comply with Official Letter No.124/TW-PCTT dated September 25 of the standing agency of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control on readiness of necessary conditions for timely operation of the reservoir upon the order of the Head of the Steering Committee.
