Nghe an: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the central province of Nghe An to carry out necessary measures to respond to flooding, ensure the safety of local residents and critical infrastructure, particularly Ban Ve hydropower dam, given an alarming flood inflow into the Ban Ve hydropower reservoir. The circulation of tropical storm Wipha has caused extremely heavy rainfall in the western mountainous part of Nghe An, and downpours are forecast to continue in the upper reaches of Ca River in the territory of Laos. The flood inflow into the Ban Ve hydropower reservoir is at a very high level, measured at 10,044 cu.m/s at 10:45pm on July 22 – exceeding the reservoir’s design flood inflow capacity of 7,770 cu.m/s.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of the situation, directing local authorities to prioritize the protection of human lives and the structural integrity of the Ban Ve hydropower dam. The excessive inflow poses significant risks, necessitating immediate action to mitigate potential damage. The storm’s impact has led to heightened concerns over further rainfall, which could exacerbate the already critical conditions.

Local response teams have been mobilized to monitor the situation closely and implement emergency protocols. The government is coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure resources are available for evacuation and relief efforts if necessary. Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay informed about weather updates and adhere to safety instructions issued by local authorities.

The Prime Minister’s directive underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response to natural disasters, highlighting the need for ongoing assessments and readiness to protect communities from the adverse effects of severe weather events.