HCMC – The National Civil Defense Steering Committee has called on provinces from Nghe An to Quang Ngai to proactively regulate reservoirs to mitigate flooding and ensure the safety of hydraulic structures as heavy rains and Storm Kalmaegi is forecast to affect the central region in the coming days.
On the evening of November 1, the head of the National Civil Defense Steering Committee issued Official Dispatch No. 24 to the People’s Committees of provinces and cities from Nghe An to Quang Ngai, as well as the ministries of Agriculture and Environment, Industry and Trade, and the national media organizations, urging close management of reservoir operations to protect downstream areas.
Recent heavy rains in late October have caused historic floods on two river systems in Hue City and Danang, resulting in significant damage to lives and property. The committee noted that proactive reservoir operations have helped reduce flood levels and prevented further inundation downstream.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from the evening of November 1 to November 3, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall of 300-500 mm, and locally over 750 mm, is expected in Hue, Danang, and eastern Quang Ngai. Rainfall of 200-350 mm is forecast for Ha Tinh and Quang Tri, with localized totals exceeding 500 mm. Southern Nghe An and western Quang Ngai could see 70-150 mm of rain, with isolated areas receiving up to 250 mm.
The center also predicts that Storm Kalmaegi, which would become the 13th storm to enter the East Sea, might make landfall in Vietnam between November 7 and 9, with the most affected areas likely ranging from Danang to Khanh Hoa. The storm may bring strong winds and heavy rain to the central and south-central regions.
To minimize downstream flooding and ensure the safety of dams and reservoirs, the committee requested relevant ministries and local authorities to direct operators of hydropower and irrigation reservoirs to prioritize flood storage capacity and closely monitor rainfall, inflows, and water levels.
Local authorities have been urged to promptly inform residents, local governments, and river-based businesses of reservoir operations to ensure safety for people and property. They are also required to maintain 24-hour monitoring and report to the National Civil Defense Steering Committee through the Department of Dike Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
