According to the Hue City Forest Protection Division, prolonged flooding caused large amounts of natural forest timber and rotten wood to break loose and drift into reservoirs, rivers and dams across the area. Authorities will establish a council to assess the volume and develop recovery and disposal plans.
Rotten timber swept into the Binh Dien hydropower reservoir after recent floods (Photo by Vi Thao)
Most of the driftwood has so far been gathered by residents along the edges of hydropower and irrigation reservoirs. Initial estimates indicate nearly 90 tonnes have accumulated at five sites, including the Binh Dien and Huong Dien hydropower plants, the A Sap hydropower reservoir and the Ta Trach irrigation reservoir.
Authorities inspect decayed timber swept into the Binh Dien hydropower reservoir (Photo by Vi Thao)
Local forest rangers have worked with commune authorities and project operators to agree on salvage methods within water-protection corridors and reservoir areas. They have also asked local police to discourage residents from collecting wood inside reservoir basins to ensure safety.
Forest protection forces will tighten checks to prevent illegal timber transport and remind residents to avoid dangerous areas with whirlpools, strong winds or heavy logs capable of overturning boats.
