Concentrating all resources on disaster prevention, response and recovery

The 2025 rainy and flooding season has seen more complex weather patterns. In Dong Nai, 23 natural disasters have been recorded, leaving one person dead and another injured; causing more than 1,000 hectares of crops to be submerged; triggering six landslides on hillsides and one riverbank collapse; flooding that disrupted traffic on several roads; and inundating or unroofing thousands of houses. Total damages are estimated at over VND 59 billion.

Member of the Provincial Party Committee (PPC) and Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang (2nd from left) visits the Can Don Hydropower Plant in Thien Hung commune. Photo: B. Nguyen

At this time of year, Dong Nai normally enters the dry season. However, as weather conditions are forecast to remain unpredictable, localities continue to mobilize all resources for post-flood recovery while preparing to respond to further abnormalities in the coming period.

Responding to abnormal weather

The recent floods caused severe damage in several localities. In Dak Lua commune alone, 366 houses were flooded, along with 397 hectares of rice, crops and fruit trees, resulting in estimated losses of around VND 40 billion. In Phu Hoa commune, more than 1,000 hectares were submerged; of these, more than 600 hectares were damaged, including 570 hectares of rice, 20 hectares of lotus and 10 hectares of fish ponds, with total losses estimated at VND 6 billion.

Local authorities have actively and effectively implemented flood and storm prevention measures.

Chairman of Phu Hoa commune People’s Committee Nguyen Van Vien said the commune mobilized all available military, police, youth union forces and residents to reinforce two temporary dams (more than 1 km long) with tarpaulins, bamboo and luong wood. The commune also deployed excavators and manpower to build a 500-meter earth embankment to prevent river water from the La Nga river from flowing into the remaining 200 hectares of rice fields. Warning signs were set up to advise residents to limit travel in dangerous areas, and a temporary passage was created to ensure safe movement where water was overflowing. Local forces and residents remain on standby around the clock to reinforce temporary dikes and prevent breaches.

In the coming period, all localities must remain vigilant and avoid complacency in disaster prevention and response to minimize damage when incidents occur.

Member of the PPC and Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang

Sharing efforts to address the aftermath of flooding along the Dong Nai river, Vice Chairman of Phu Vinh commune People’s Committee Vu Manh Duong said water release updates from the upstream hydropower reservoirs have been delivered effectively. However, the influx of floodwater mixed with sediment has affected cage fish farming. The commune currently has 40 fish cages owned by five households, with losses amounting to 77 tons of market-ready fish, equivalent to nearly VND 2.7 billion. The commune People’s Committee has conducted damage assessments, instructed residents to reinforce and relocate fish cages to safer areas, and has closely monitored weather developments to issue timely warnings. It has also reviewed and updated response plans based on the four-on-the-spot principle, deployed round-the-clock monitoring teams, and prepared evacuation plans for residents and property in affected areas.

Staying alert, avoiding complacency

In previous years, floods in early November were already rare, and by late November the dry season had usually begun. This year, however, the rainy season has persisted, rainfall has been higher than usual, and weather conditions continue to fluctuate.

Thac Mo Hydropower Plant in Phuoc Long ward has maintained 24/7 on-duty personnel throughout the heavy rain and storm periods in 2025. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Director of Dong Nai Hydrometeorological Station Nguyen Phuoc Huy forecast that Storm No. 15 is expected to form in the coming days, likely bringing heavy rainfall to the upper La Nga river region. He warned that localities must not be negligent in disaster preparedness. The station has maintained effective coordination with hydropower plants in providing and exchanging information.

Chairwoman of Tri An commune People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Dung said the commune has proactively implemented response plans for natural disasters and potential water releases. In coordination with the Tri An Hydropower Company, the commune has signed regulations on reservoir operation and protection with neighboring communes and wards. During water discharge operations, the commune also ensures timely communication to residents. Although the commune has not experienced flooding caused by reservoir release or natural disasters in the past four years, the current water discharge rate of the Tri An Hydropower Plant is about 1,000 cubic meters per second. Forecasts suggest that only when this amount quadruples will downstream flooding occur. The commune has already prepared evacuation plans for potential flooding scenarios.

During working sessions with Phu Tan 2 Hydropower Plant in Phu Vinh commune and Tri An Hydropower Plant in Tri An commune, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade Pham Van Cuong requested that the plants maintain close coordination in providing reports and information to relevant agencies and downstream residents, and ensure 24/7 on-duty personnel. He emphasized the need for regular inspections of reservoir structures and operations to detect and address abnormalities promptly, ensuring the safety of the facilities.

Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Dinh noted that Phu Tan 2 and Tri An hydropower plants have performed well in disseminating meteorological data and water discharge information. Monitoring of hydrometeorological conditions, reservoir structures and plant operations has been maintained to ensure safety and stability. Equipment, supplies and response materials have been adequately prepared. However, flood discharge operations of Phu Tan 2 Hydropower Plant impact both upstream and downstream communes, including Ta Lai, Phu Vinh, Thanh Son and Dinh Quan. Therefore, timely communication on discharge operations is essential for localities to implement appropriate response measures and ensure safeguard the lives and property of local residents

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha