Nguyen Thanh Binh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hue City People’s Committee, said organisers had decided to postpone the event. A new date will be announced at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
The Miss Vietnam 2024 finale's floating stage on Huong River (Photo by Vi Thao)
The finale was initially planned for 8 pm on June 14 and was to be broadcast live on national television.
Over the past two days, Hue has recorded rainfall ranging from 160 to 400mm. In Phu Loc and A Luoi districts, totals reached between 400 and 700mm, while Bach Ma saw more than 898mm. Torrential rain is forecast to continue on Friday, with some areas expecting over 250mm.
Rising water levels at Huong Dien and Binh Dien hydropower reservoirs prompted authorities to order controlled downstream releases. As of 9 pm on June 12, the Huong River at Kim Long Station had reached 1.21 metres and may rise to Level 2, posing a risk to the floating stage at the Quoc Hoc Stele area, the intended venue for the event.
Dozens of military and police personnel have moved stage equipment to higher ground to ensure safety.
Construction of the floating stage began on May 29, involving around 300 workers. More than 200 tonnes of materials were transported and assembled to create one of the largest outdoor stages ever built in Hue. The venue includes a grandstand capable of seating 6,000 people.