Northern region faces heavy rain: Activating flood response plan, protecting irrigation works

In response to the forecast of widespread heavy rains that could cause flooding and incidents in irrigation works in the Northern region, the Department of Management and Construction of Irrigation Works - Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued an urgent telegram, requesting localities to activate response plans...

Warning of widespread heavy rain, risk of flooding

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from the evening of August 4 to the morning of August 7, the mountainous and midland areas of the North are likely to experience widespread heavy rain with total rainfall of 50-120mm, locally exceeding 250mm.

Other areas in the North may also record rainfall of 30-80mm, with the highest possible rainfall being over 150mm. In particular, heavy rainfall of over 100mm within 3 hours increases the risk of flooding, flash floods, landslides and hydraulic works incidents.

Faced with this complicated situation, on August 4, the Director of the Department of Management and Construction of Irrigation Works issued a telegram requesting all Departments of Agriculture and Environment, Project Management Boards, and units managing and exploiting irrigation works in the Northern region to implement emergency response measures.

Specifically, the telegram requires strict implementation of the directive of the Minister of Agriculture and Environment on preventing and combating heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen monitoring of hydrometeorological forecasts, paying special attention to inspecting key irrigation works and reservoirs under construction - places with many potential risks when heavy rains occur.

For weak or unsafe reservoirs, the telegram requires stopping water storage or only storing water in limited quantities to reduce pressure. In addition, it is necessary to prepare plans to evacuate people, machinery, and equipment at construction sites at risk of being affected by floods.

Activate the drainage system, operate reservoirs and warn downstream areas.

In order to protect crop areas and people's lives, especially in newly sown rice areas, the Department requires localities to specifically identify areas at risk of flooding in order to promptly drain buffer water and operate irrigation systems effectively. Active drainage right before and during heavy rains is considered a decisive factor to avoid deep and prolonged flooding, affecting production.

Regarding reservoir operation, the telegram requires the correct implementation of approved procedures, adjusting the reservoir water level appropriately to receive floods while still ensuring absolute safety for the project. Reservoirs with flood discharge gates must have a specific plan, and must not discharge suddenly, causing danger to downstream areas. In particular, before releasing flood water or when there is a risk of an incident, early and clear warnings must be organized for people in the affected area.

During heavy rains, all construction management units must organize 24/7 shifts, arrange permanent forces at construction sites at risk of incidents, and be ready to respond according to the "four on-site" motto.

The telegram emphasizes the requirement to regularly report on the safety status of the project, operational progress and incidents (if any) to the Department of Irrigation Works Management and Construction for timely direction and coordination.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bac-bo-doi-mat-mua-lon-kich-hoat-phuong-an-ung-pho-ngap-lut-bao-ve-cong-trinh-thuy-loi-post878722.html