HCMC – Authorities in Lao Cai Province have approved an investment plan for a large-scale flood prevention project along the Red River, with total estimated funding of more than VND13 trillion.
The provincial People’s Council has passed a resolution endorsing the project to address flooding and waterlogging in the central area of Lao Cai Province and surrounding zones along the river.
The project includes the construction of about 20 kilometers of new river embankments and the elevation of existing embankments along roughly 23 kilometers. The embankment crests will be integrated with road infrastructure, with road widths ranging from 7.5 to 10.5 meters.
In addition, authorities plan to dredge, upgrade, and reinforce 14 drainage channels with a combined length of around 25 kilometers. New pumping stations combined with sluice gates will be built at key locations, alongside upgrades to the drainage system to address localized flooding hotspots.
Implementation will be divided into five components, covering the wards of Yen Bai, Nam Cuong, Au Lau, Van Phu, and Tran Yen Commune.
Total investment is estimated at about VND13.3 trillion, funded by the central and provincial State budgets. The project will be managed by the provincial Construction Investment Project Management Board No. 1.
Over the past decade, water levels on the Red River have repeatedly exceeded Alarm Level 3 in central Lao Cai and nearby areas, causing severe damage and disrupting daily life.
In addition to river flooding, the former central area of Yen Bai has recorded 19 localized flooding points during heavy rainfall due to an incomplete drainage system.
The most recent major event occurred during Typhoon Yagi in 2024, when floodwaters rose to 3.73 meters above Alarm Level 3, surpassing the historic 1968 flood peak by about 1.31 meters. Widespread flooding affected many riverbank wards and communes in former Yen Bai City and former Tran Yen District.
Authorities estimate that around 20,000 households were inundated during flood events in 2024 and 2025, with total economic losses of approximately VND8.5 trillion.
According to provincial authorities, the project is critical for improving flood resilience in river-adjacent areas that are frequently affected by heavy rainfall and river flooding.
Once completed, the project would strengthen flood control capacity, reduce prolonged waterlogging, protect lives and property, and improve urban infrastructure and living conditions. It is also expected to support riverfront urban development, attract investment, and enhance long-term climate adaptation capacity.
