Torrential rains coupled with water discharges from hydropower and irrigation reservoirs have flooded many parts of Huong Khe District and Vu Quang District in the north-central province of Ha Tinh, forcing local residents to evacuate.

As of Sunday, most streets in downtown Ha Tinh City – the capital of the namesake province – had already flooded, with Xuan Dieu, Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Nguyen Huy Tu, Nguyen Cong Tru, and Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street being the hardest-hit. 

Local traffic police have set up warning signs to prevent people from traveling through flooded routes. Relevant forces have been mobilized for rescuing and assisting residents evacuate flooded houses.

Meanwhile, low-lying areas in several communes of Huong Khe District, namely Loc Yen, Dien My, Huong Giang, Huong Thuy and Huong Do, have been completely isolated by floodwater. 

A total of 137 houses were submerged with water levels as high as one meter. As the flooding continues, residents in these areas have tried to move their assets to higher places.

Phan Ky, vice-chairman of Huong Khe District, said local authorities have relocated three households living on the edge of forests to safer places. They are attempting to convince other households in low-lying areas to evacuate. 

Water levels of the Ngan Sau River keep rising, he added.

From Sunday afternoon, Ke Go Reservoir has discharged water at a flow rate of 100 – 250 cubic meters per second. 

To ensure the safety of downstream areas, the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Control, Search and Rescue of Ke Go Lake – Boc Nguyen Lake area requested Thach Ha District, Cam Xuyen District and Ha Tinh City as well as commune-level authorities to monitor and instruct residents in vulnerable localities to prepare for possible flooding. 

Huong Son hydropower plant from Sunday has begun discharging water at a flow rate of 30-60 cubic meters per second.

On Sunday afternoon, functional forces found the body of Tran Van Doan, a 36-year-old resident of Can Loc District, who was swept away while fishing in Thien Loc Commune Friday night. 

The provincial authorities have directed police and Transport Department to cooperate with authorities at all levels to evacuate residents in areas prone to flashflood, mudslide and prolonged inundation.

These agencies are required to assess military bases for safety and promptly move the soldiers and officers if needed. 

According to the Ha Tinh Hydro-meteorological Center, the province will face torrential rain from October 18 to 21, with total rainfall forecast to reach 400-600 millimeters, while some localities may see as much as 700 millimeters.

Water levels on rivers may surpass alarm level 3, which means they are likely to cause flooding and mudslides in mountainous areas. 

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