Thac Ba reservoir remains "safe" despite huge water inflows

Thac Ba reservoir, one of three largest man-made reservoirs in Viet Nam, remains safe despite huge water inflows, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister urged Ha Giang, Lao Cai and Yen Bai to take "every measures" control water flows into Thac Ba reservoir.

He also urged Ha Noi, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc and Yen Bai to prepare for the worst scenario for Thac Ba reservoir which is located in the northern province of Yen Bai, about 180km from the capital city of Ha Noi.

The reservoir's water level reached 59.84m on Wednesday morning.

Northern Viet Nam is now experiencing heavy rains induced by typhoon Yagi, causing water levels to increase rapidly in the region's rivers, widespread flooding and landslides in northern mountainous provinces.

At 5 a.m. on September 11, water levels in Yen Bai's Thao and Chay rivers reached respectively 34.63 m and 28.83, or 2.63 m and 6.83 m above the alert level 3.

It is forecast that the reservoir area is expected to experience a rainfall of 40-50 mm over the next 48 hours.

Covering 23,400ha, of which more than 19,000ha is water area. The lake took shape after Thac Ba Hydropower Plant was built between 1964 and 1971 with the support from Russia.

The vast lake is comprised of 1331 green islands emerging on calmly blue and clear water surface of the lake, reminding one of the beauty of Ha Long Bay.