On October 14, Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh People’s Committee Le Xuan Loi signed a decision announcing emergency status for several breaches and failures on key dykes throughout the province.

The most pressing concerns involve overflow, seepage, and slope erosion on the left dyke of the Cau River across Hop Thinh, Xuan Cam, and Van Ha, as well as the right dyke through Tam Giang, Yen Phong, Yen Trung, Nhan Hoa, Que Vo, and Dao Vien.

One of the most alarming breaches occurred at the Dau Han dyke in Kinh Bac Ward, spanning from Km57+600 to Km58+700, where overflow has caused significant structural damage.

In the Thuong River basin, entire pumping stations such as Duong Duc in My Thai Commune have been submerged. Emergency declarations have also been issued for multiple flood-prone areas across the communes and wards of Tan Tien, Duc Tho, Tan Lieu, Phu Khe, My Ha, Tien Luc, Dao My, Nghia Hoa, Nghia Hung, Duong Duc, and Lang Son.

On the Ca Lo River, a local overflow breach occurred from Km13+200 to Km13+500 in Tam Giang Commune. Additionally, the entire 6.25-kilometer dyke line is reportedly experiencing widespread seepage.

Emergency response under ‘Four On-Site’ strategy

The provincial government has directed local authorities in affected areas to urgently implement flood defense operations under the “Four On-Site” principle: on-site command, on-site forces, on-site materials, and on-site logistics.

Local units have been instructed to immediately mobilize resources to handle the situation during the critical early hours, reinforce vulnerable sections, and closely monitor developments to prevent further complications.

In areas with dyke overflow (categorized as Class III-I), authorities are strengthening embankments and raising dyke heights to ensure stability.

Where murky water seeps through the dyke body, reverse filtration systems are being deployed to ensure that only clear water is released post-treatment. For incidents involving clear water seepage, increased surveillance is being conducted to detect changes that could lead to dangerous muddy flows.

For dyke slope erosion, repair crews are tasked with backfilling collapsed sections, sealing cracks, and preventing water infiltration that could worsen the situation.

Structures like culverts and revetments that have already been repaired are under continued observation for any signs of renewed instability.

Floodwaters expected to recede by October 16

As of noon on October 14, Bac Ninh still had seven heavily flooded provincial road segments, with water depths ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 meters.

On Provincial Road 292 at Km7+650 (Tien Luc), water measured 0.6m deep. Other affected areas included:

Provincial Road 295 at Km32+800 (Phuc Hoa) - 0.55m
Provincial Road 296 at Km8+750 (Hop Thinh) - 0.4m
Provincial Road 298 at Km8+300 (Tan Yen) - 0.6m
Km9+130 (Viet Yen Ward) - 0.4m
Provincial Road 398B at Km20+400 (My Thai) and Km28+650 (Viet Yen and Tan Yen) - 0.4m
Authorities anticipate that floodwaters along these routes will fully recede by October 16.

Efforts to clear landslides and restore transport links

In response to talus (slope) landslides, the provincial construction department has assigned Bac Giang Road Joint Stock Company to clear debris and restore access.

At a critical slope failure site at Km96+800 on National Highway 31, a temporary bypass has been completed, allowing vehicles under 3.5 tons and rudimentary transport to pass safely.

However, several other landslide and infrastructure damage points on National Highway 279, Provincial Roads 291 and 248 remain unresolved. These areas have been cordoned off with warning signs to ensure public safety.

Bao Khanh