At 11 pm on September 10, the floodwaters on the Lo River reached an alarming level of 27.59m, exceeding the level 3 warning level - an extremely dangerous level. The situation became more serious when the dike section through Quyet Thang commune, Son Duong district, Tuyen Quang province was broken due to rising river water. The broken dike section was about 10m long, adjacent to Hop Nhat commune of Doan Hung district, Phu Tho province.

At 11 PM on September 10th, floodwaters on the Lô River reached a critical level of 27.59 meters, surpassing the level 3 alert, signifying extreme danger. The situation worsened when a section of the river dike in Quyết Thắng commune, Sơn Dương district, Tuyên Quang province, breached due to the high water levels. The breached section of the dike was about 10 meters long, bordering Hợp Nhất commune in Đoan Hùng district, Phú Thọ province.

Circumstances and Causes of the Dike Breach

The primary cause of this historic flood and the subsequent dike breach was the impact of tropical storm No. 3. Heavy rains continuously poured over Tuyên Quang province, combined with the Tuyên Quang Hydropower Plant opening all eight spillway gates, causing water levels in the Lô River to rise rapidly. The release of floodwaters from hydropower plants, although necessary for the safety of the dam structures, was a significant factor in the rapid rise of river water, overwhelming the dike system.

The Tuyên Quang Meteorological and Hydrological Station issued warnings on the night of September 10th, stating that the flooding situation on the rivers in the province remained complex. Water levels continued to rise rapidly, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides. Flooding had already affected many areas, particularly the low-lying regions along the river. The meteorological station also issued a level 3 disaster risk warning due to the severity of the flood situation.

The Dike Breach and Emergency Response

As the Lô River's water level surpassed the level 3 alert, the river dike in Quyết Thắng commune, Sơn Dương district, began showing signs of leakage. Local authorities and emergency forces immediately evacuated people from high-risk areas. Thanks to swift action and preparedness, there were no reported casualties when the dike eventually breached.

The breached section of the dike, approximately 10 meters long, was located near the border with Hợp Nhất commune, Đoan Hùng district, Phú Thọ province. The area had previously shown signs of instability, prompting early warnings and preparations. However, the rapid rise of the river overwhelmed all preventive measures, leading to the breach.

Throughout the night, emergency forces carried out urgent repair efforts at the breached site. Hundreds of local residents, along with military, police, and civil defense forces, worked together to transport sandbags, soil, and stones to the scene to stem the flow of water. Multiple trucks carrying rocks and heavy machinery, such as excavators and pumps, were also mobilized to reinforce the dike under challenging weather conditions.

This task not only required speed but also demanded close coordination among the forces, as stabilizing the dike was critical while water levels remained dangerously high. The repair efforts continued through the night with the primary goal of minimizing damage to the surrounding areas and protecting local residents.

Consequences of the Dike Breach and Flooding

Although there were no human casualties, the dike breach and subsequent flooding caused significant damage in Tuyên Quang and neighboring regions. The floodwaters inundated large areas, severely affecting agriculture, livestock, and daily life. Many hectares of farmland were submerged, leading to heavy crop losses. Roads were also flooded, disrupting transportation and hampering relief efforts.

In the coming days, controlling and addressing the threats from potential future floods will be of utmost importance. With more rainstorms forecasted, the management of water resources and regulation of hydropower plants will need to be carefully conducted to avoid similar incidents.

The Importance of Flood Prevention and Response

The dike breach on the Lô River is a stark reminder of the importance of flood prevention and disaster response, especially as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events. Systems of dikes, hydropower plants, and flood management infrastructure must be upgraded to ensure they can withstand large-scale floods.

Water resource management and regulation from reservoirs and hydropower plants must be improved to ensure sustainability and safety for downstream regions. At the same time, public awareness of flood preparedness needs to be heightened, encouraging communities to actively participate in pre-monsoon preparedness activities. Regular disaster relief drills and rescue training must also be organized to be ready for unexpected situations.

Flooding in Vietnam and Response Measures

Vietnam is one of the countries most affected by floods, especially in the northern and central provinces. Due to its tropical monsoon climate, Vietnam is frequently hit by storms and tropical depressions, leading to heavy rains and widespread flooding. Riversides, coastal areas, and low-lying regions are often the hardest hit.

In recent years, due to the effects of climate change, floods have become increasingly unpredictable and severe. Many provinces in Vietnam have experienced large-scale floods, causing heavy losses in lives and property. To cope with this, authorities have implemented various measures, including upgrading dike systems, constructing reservoirs and drainage systems, and improving forecasting and early warning systems.

In the future, flood response efforts will not only focus on technical measures but will also require strong community involvement. Education, training, and raising awareness about natural disasters are essential in reducing losses. Local governments and non-governmental organizations also play a crucial role in supporting communities before, during, and after floods.

Conclusion

The breach of the Lô River dike on the night of September 10th serves as a warning of the dangers posed by floods due to natural disasters. The timely and effective response from the authorities and citizens helped minimize the loss of life, but the economic and infrastructural damage remains significant. In the context of increasingly complex climate change, investment in flood prevention and disaster response is essential to protect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living in riverside and low-lying regions across Vietnam.