On the morning of September 23, hundreds of curious locals defied safety barriers to witness the first flood release of the year from the Tri An Hydropower Dam in Vinh Cuu district, Dong Nai province.

By 10 a.m., water from the largest hydropower reservoir in southern Vietnam surged from the dam's spillway, carrying silt downstream. 

Crowds gathered to see the spectacle firsthand, with many breaking through protective barriers to get a closer view.

Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong took photos, checked in on social media, and even live-streamed the event for friends and family to experience remotely. 

Despite the risks posed by the powerful water flow and slippery banks, some took the opportunity to fish, hoping to catch stray fish carried by the floodwaters.

"I came here early to witness the flood release and hopefully catch a fish or two," shared one local.

Tri An Hydropower Company Director Vo Tan Nhan explained that the water level at Tri An Reservoir reached over 60.7 meters as of the morning. To manage this, the dam released water at a controlled rate - 150 cubic meters per second through the spillway and 850 cubic meters per second via turbines, totaling around 1,000 cubic meters per second flowing downstream.

The release of floodwaters has raised concerns about potential flooding and landslides in lower-lying areas near the riverbanks in Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities have urged local residents to stay vigilant, monitor weather conditions closely, and prepare for potential risks.

Hoang Anh