On November 5, Tran Nam Hung, vice chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, signed a letter asking the National Power System and Electricity Market Operation Company to consider how the hydropower plants in the Vu Gia and Thu Bon river basin are operated.
The city asked operators not to run A Vuong, Song Bung 2, Song Bung 4, Dak Mi 4 and Song Tranh 2, or to keep water releases through power generation to a minimum, until November 11.
According to the forecast, the risk of water shortages, drought and saltwater intrusion in Da Nang is assessed as high to very high because of the influence of El Niño.
Under the highest-risk scenario, prolonged heat, a late start to the 2027 rainy season, low reservoir levels and a continuing decline in upstream flows in the Vu Gia and Thu Bon rivers could occur together.
Water levels at the five hydropower reservoirs are currently very low. Authorities said they may not store enough water for agriculture and domestic supplies downstream during the 2027 dry season.
Limiting generation would allow the reservoirs to begin storing water earlier and gradually improve supplies in the Vu Gia and Thu Bon basin.
The Central Regional Hydro-Meteorological Station forecast rain, scattered showers and thunderstorms in Da Nang on November 9–11, with moderate to heavy rain in some places. Temperatures are expected to fall.
Sources: Dân Trí
