Red River water levels drop below Alert Level 2, but warnings remain

As water levels begin to recede, traffic on Chương Dương Bridge is safe. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — After reaching its peak on Wednesday night, the water level of the Red River in Hà Nội fell below Alert Level 2 and is expected to continue receding slowly, according to officials in the disaster team.

Nguyễn Xuân Đại, Director of the Hà Nội’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Deputy Head of the city's Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, stated that although water levels are decreasing, the flood situation remains complicated and river levels are still high.

He emphasised that local authorities must remain vigilant in monitoring and patrolling dikes and should not become complacent.

The 'middle plain' in Red River begins to emerge as the water recedes.

To ensure dike safety and proactively respond to adverse weather conditions, the committee requested that all district-level steering committees focus on enhancing dike patrols and inspections, reviewing all monitoring points and supplying necessary tools, documents, and specialised training for patrol teams.

The committee holds full responsibility before the city’s People's Committee if dike safety issues occur due to non-compliance with patrol and protection regulations.

The water level in front of some households along the Red River has decreased by 10 to 15 cm, making travel easier.

The Hà Nội Department of Transport has mobilised its traffic inspectors and emergency vehicles to ensure traffic safety around the clock in flooded areas, manage traffic flow and maintain road safety.

The department has also requested the Việt Nam Inland Waterways Administration to propose measures to protect transportation infrastructure, especially river-crossing bridges, from potential hazards.

In particular, the administration is urged to closely monitor obstacles such as drifting barges or boats along national waterways, including the Red, Đà, Đuống, Đáy, Công and Cầu rivers that could threaten the safety of bridges.

If any objects pose a collision risk with river-crossing bridges, the Việt Nam Inland Waterways Administration must immediately notify the city’s Department of Transport to implement measures to ensure the safety of both bridges and the public.

Ensuring dike safety

On Thursday, Chairman of the Hà Nội’s People's Committee Trần Sỹ Thanh signed Directive No 16/CĐ-UBND, urging focus on responding to major floods and ensuring the safety of dikes across the city.

In recent days, Hà Nội has experienced widespread heavy rainfall, leading to floods on several rivers and severe flooding in riverbank areas, threatening the safety of the dike system.

Given that the dike system in Hà Nội has not faced significant flood pressure for many years, there is a risk of barriers being compromised.

Residents along the Red River begin cleaning up as the water recedes.

Following Directive No 93/CĐ-TTg issued on September 11, 2024 by the Prime Minister on responding to major floods and ensuring dike safety in the northern region, Thanh instructed vice chairmen, according to their designated areas, to personally oversee key areas and lead, direct, expedite and inspect flood control and dike protection efforts.

Resources, materials, machinery and equipment must be prepared, especially in critical and vulnerable areas, to promptly address any dike-related issues.

Residents of Vạn Kiếp Street in Hai Bà Trưng District clean their homes as the water begins to recede.

Regular inspections of the dike system must be intensified and patrol and monitoring activities should be strictly implemented during the flood season according to the alert levels.

Additionally, immediate safety plans for residents living in flood-prone areas outside the riverbanks, including dike-protected areas at risk, should be updated and implemented. Authorities must ensure no residents remain in dangerous areas when flood levels rise.