Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa orders probe into flood-release operations at reservoirs

The province endured prolonged, intense rainfall over those days, causing historic flooding.

Water levels in rivers and streams rose above previous records, leading to large-scale inundation.

Many areas across the province were isolated as rising water levels, combined with flood-release operations from reservoirs and hydropower plants, caused damage to structures and property, disrupted daily life, and affected agricultural production and infrastructure.

Data from the provincial administration showed that during this period, floods destroyed 89 homes, while 294 other houses were seriously damaged.

Besides, the floods left 22 people dead in the province, while thousands of livestock and poultry were swept away.

Total losses were estimated at over VND5,000 billion (US$190 million), according to local media.

In response to the situation, the provincial administration on Friday last week issued a dispatch to the provincial Department of Public Security, conveying the chairman’s instructions.

The chairman tasked the police with coordinating with the central region hydro-meteorological station, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, and other relevant agencies to investigate, review, and inspect the operation of local reservoirs during the period.

The directive highlighted certain key reservoirs, including Song Cai, Nuoc Ngot, Suoi Dau, Am Chua, and the Da Nhim hydropower reservoir.

The probe must include determining whether flood-release operations were carried out in accordance with regulations, approved plans, and established procedures, whether the operational mechanisms were timely and appropriate given actual conditions, and whether they complied with provincial directives.

The police were also required to clarify the responsibilities of organizations and individuals for improper operations that have caused harm and damage to downstream communities.

The chairman requested officers to report their findings to the provincial administration before December 15.