VietNamNet Bridge – As three hydro-power reservoirs in Ba River in Phu Yen province in central Vietnam were opened to discharge water on November 2, the province’s capital - Tuy Hoa city - has been flooded since the evening of November 2.

Death toll increases as flood disrupts transport in central Vietnam 

In early November 2009, the city was inundated after only one of the reservoirs of Ba Ha River hydro-power plant was opened.

Forecasters said that the rainfall in Phu Yen and the south central provinces in Vietnam will rise in the next three days. As a result, flood water to reservoirs will surely increase and the volume of water discharged by reservoirs will be on the rise. Phu Yen is facing a huge flood.

The local authorities have been preparing boats and necessary equipment to evacuate people who live along Ba River.

Relevant agencies explain that reservoirs must be opened to prevent breakage.

By November 2, at least four Phu Yen residents were reported dead in flood.

Floods reported in other provinces in Central Region and Central Highlands

In Ninh Thuan province, a 2.4 million cubic meter reservoir ruptured on November 2. Nearly 5000 families with 19,900 people were evacuated.

In Binh Thuan province, downpours plus water discharge from reservoirs has submerged many areas in Tuy Phong district. Over 60 households were evacuated.

In Lam Dong province, a four-day rainfall has raised the water level in local streams and rivers.. Some bridges have been submerged. Thousands of households in Da Quyen commune has been isolated by water, with one death.

While flood waters are rising in the south central region, forecasters said that rain will continue in the next several days, meaning flood will be more serious.

In the last few days, downpours hit this region, especially Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces. The total rainfall measured in the tourist city of Nha Trang was nearly 800 mm in four days and 400-700 mm in Ninh Thuan province.

In the south central region, as of November 2, at least eight people have been reported dead, mainly elderly and children. .

VietNamNet captures flood situation and local people’s reaction in the region:

An Bang – Vo Tan – Tram Tran