VietNamNet Bridge - On January 16, Quang Nam province’s officials met to discuss the evacuation plan in case the dam of Song Tranh 2 hydropower plant is broken in earthquakes. Experts estimated that more than 62,000 people would have to evacuate if a disaster occurs.

National Assembly to decide the “fate” of Song Tranh 2 Hydropower
Hydropower 2012: Gray picture

Song Tranh 2 reservoir.

The evacuation scenario is built on the two situations: in the time of rain and flood and no rain and flood.

Accordingly, if the dam of the Song Tranh 2 reservoirs, with a capacity of 730 million m3 of water, is broken, the area under the impact will range from Bac Tra My district to the districts of Tien Phuoc, Hiep Duc, Nong Son, Duy Xuyen, Dai Loc, Dien Ban and Hoi An ancient town. Around 62,000 people from 145 villages and streets of 51 communes and towns will have to evacuate.

Colonel Le Ngoc Thanh, deputy chief of the Quang Nam Province Military Command, said the military units stationed in the province will be the core force to rescue people. In addition, police forces, border guards, medical staff, the steering board for flood and storm prevention, vanguard youth will participate in the evacuation plan.

In a document released by the Prime Minister's Office on January 16, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said that the Song Tranh 2 hydropower plant was finished and checks had been carried out as regulated, but there remained public concerns. Tremors had been triggered by the weight of the water, and although they had not affected the dam's integrity, residents' houses had been damaged, he said.

He said Song Tranh 2 reservoir would not to be filled before thorough research and analysis of earthquakes has been conducted. International experts from Russia, Japan and India should be invited to join hands with domestic experts to conduct surveys of the area.

He asked the Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology to set up five geological stations around the area. The institute should assign experts to supervise the tremors and formulate a plan to cope with them.

The Quang Nam People's Committee is responsible for providing accurate information to local residents to prevent negative public opinion. Households, schools and public buildings in the affected area will receive financial support.

The Ministry of Construction must join hand with the province to strengthen houses and public buildings against the tremors.

Vu Trung