China coordinates to regulate hydropower flood discharge in the upper Lo River

The water level of Lo River in Tuyen Quang city has risen in recent days (Photo: VNA).

In response to information that China is preparing to release floodwaters from the Ma Lu Thang hydropower dam (in Chau Van Son, Yunnan province, China, upstream of the Lo river), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnamese representative agencies in China urgently worked with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yunnan province.

According to information from Chinese authorities, to support flood prevention and rescue work downstream in China and Vietnam, Ma Lu Thang hydropower dam had not previously discharged water.

However, due to the recent heavy rains for many days, the water level at Ma Lu Thang hydroelectric dam has risen very high, causing the risk of dam failure. In case of dam failure, it will cause huge losses to the localities of both countries.

Based on careful consideration, China has notified Ha Giang province of the planned discharge from Ma Lu Thang dam from 15:00 on September 11 to 14:00 on September 12 with a maximum discharge volume of 250m3/second.

After discussions with Vietnam, Chinese authorities will reduce the maximum discharge volume from 250m3/second to 200m3/second and delay the flood discharge time to 4:30 p.m. on September 11.

China also said it has asked relevant Chinese localities to ensure that only the smallest amount of flood water is discharged to keep the dam safe.

Regarding the upper reaches of the Yuan River/Red River, China affirmed that all Chinese hydroelectric plants and dams do not discharge floodwaters.

Implementing the direction of the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the coming time, Vietnamese representative agencies in China will continue to work closely with local authorities to promptly and regularly update information on the flood situation in localities in China that affect localities in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese representative agency in China will coordinate regular exchanges with the host country to promote measures to minimize the amount of upstream water from China flowing to downstream localities of Vietnam, thereby minimizing damage caused by floods in the river basins of the northern region.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/trung-quoc-phoi-hop-dieu-tiet-xa-lu-thuy-dien-o-thuong-nguon-song-lo-20240911174705112.htm