Drying river halts hydropower plants leading to blackouts

By Ngoc Thanh, Gia Chinh   June 9, 2023 | 03:13 pm PT
The drying out of the Da River, the water source for the largest hydropower plants in Vietnam, has cut electricity production and caused severe power shortages in the north.
Drying river halts hydropower plants leading to blackouts

The river’s alluvial ground has become a field where buffalos are let loose. The water level got so low that the Son La hydropower plant, the biggest in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, was forced to suspend operations.

Drying river halts hydropower plants leading to blackouts

Khoang Van Nguy, 72, often brings his buffalos to the alluvial grounds. Due to the low water level, he only needs to travel 3 km to get his buffalos to their feeding site. He usually has to walk up into the mountains 5 km.

Drying river halts hydropower plants leading to blackouts

The Ban Xa pier footing in Muong Lay Town is revealed as water level falls.

Drying river halts hydropower plants leading to blackouts

Locals said it has been three weeks without a single rain drop. The ground is cracked as a result.

Drying river halts hydropower plants leading to blackouts

Fish cages are laid on bare ground.

Drying river halts hydropower plants leading to blackouts

A field of alluvial ground in Muong Lay Town is in prime time for harvest. People have usually had to harvest things quickly before the water rises. But this year, they may take things more slowly.

The Da River water level drops. Video by VnExpress

 
 
go to top