Song Ray Reservoir (Photo by the HCM City Department of Agriculture and Environment)
Three major reservoirs, Da Den, Song Hoa and Song Ray, began releasing floodwater at 8 am on Thursday, increasing the risk of flooding in downstream areas.
HCM City’s Department of Agriculture and Environment said the discharge is required to protect the structures as water levels rise under the impact of Storm Koto. This is the fourth release this year for Da Den and Song Ray, and the third for Song Hoa.
The operation is scheduled to continue until 8 am on December 7 and may affect several downstream communities. Local authorities were notified in advance to prepare response measures.
According to the Centre for Irrigation Works Management and Operation, monitoring on November 24 showed water levels above safe thresholds, with Da Den Reservoir exceeding 44 metres, Song Hoa reaching 25 metres and Song Ray measuring 71.64 metres.
Operators said the reservoirs must discharge water to safeguard the structures and protect lives and property, with volumes to be adjusted depending on rainfall, upstream inflows and upcoming weather conditions.
Areas at risk include the communes of Chau Pha, Nghia Thanh, Xuyen Moc and Ho Tram, along with the wards of Tan Thanh, Long Huong, Tam Long and Ba Ria. Local authorities have been instructed to promptly alert residents so they can move belongings and livestock out of danger zones.
People are advised to harvest aquaculture early, secure property and avoid fishing or travelling through fast flowing waters.
