Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep inspects the operation of Ban Ve hydropower reservoir

The delegation also included comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Executive Committee, Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee; leaders of the Departments of Agriculture and Environment, Industry and Trade and representatives of related units.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep inspects the operation of Ban Ve hydropower reservoir. Photo: Quang An

At the scene, the leader of Ban Ve Hydropower Plant said that at 3:00 p.m. the same day, the water flow into the lake reached about 4,468 m³/s, a decrease of about 500 m³/s compared to 2 hours earlier. The unit is currently operating the discharge through 6 gates with a total flow of 3,985 m³/s. The lake water level is at an elevation of 200.43 m. Water regulation continues to be carried out flexibly, both to protect the safety of the project and to contribute to flood reduction in the downstream area.

After inspecting and listening to the report, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep praised the proactiveness of the management unit and local authorities in flood prevention work.

Ban Ve Hydropower Plant regulates flood discharge on the afternoon of July 23. Photo: Quang An

However, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep also emphasized that hydrological weather phenomena are increasingly unusual and difficult to predict accurately, largely due to the impact of climate change. The proof is that the amount of water flowing into the lake this time has far exceeded the expected scenarios.

“We cannot be subjective. Every rainstorm and every flood can now have extreme elements. Therefore, reservoir management must closely follow reality, continuously update data and carefully calculate to ensure both the safety of the project and the protection of people in downstream areas,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasized.

The Deputy Minister also requested the reservoir operating unit to be on duty regularly, proactively coordinate closely with localities and functional forces to grasp information and promptly handle arising situations. At the same time, request to review the entire reservoir operating process, adjust and supplement points that are not suitable for the current weather conditions.

Besides, it is necessary to strengthen forecasting, early warning and communication to people to minimize damage during the flood season.

Ban Ve Hydropower Plant releases water to regulate the downstream area. Photo: Quang An

For local authorities and people who are evacuating, it is necessary to continue to closely monitor the development of floods and rains, strictly follow the instructions from the authorities, especially not to return to flooded areas when safety is not guaranteed. Authorities at all levels need to ensure logistics at evacuation points, provide adequate food, clean water, necessities and medical support for people. At the same time, carefully review vulnerable areas at risk of landslides and flash floods to promptly warn and organize additional evacuations when necessary, absolutely not allowing human casualties.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/thu-truong-bo-nong-nghiep-va-moi-truong-nguyen-hoang-hiep-kiem-tra-van-hanh-ho-chua-thuy-dien-ban-ve-10302989.html