Central Vietnam hydroelectric water shortages

The Dak Drinh hydropower reservoir in Quang Ngai province is experiencing an unusual water shortage despite being in the rainy season. Large areas of the reservoir floor have become exposed, and connecting rivers and streams have significantly diminished or dried up entirely. Due to low water inflow, which has dropped to approximately 20m3/s, the Dak Drinh Hydropower Joint Stock Company suspended power generation on November 1 to prioritize water storage. The water level is currently at 379m, leaving only about 4m of reserve above the dead water level of 375m. Operators attribute the decline to the El Nino phenomenon, which has reduced upstream rainfall.

In response to similar concerns, the Da Nang People's Committee has requested the National Load Dispatch Center to limit or cease power generation at five hydroelectric plants on the Vu Gia - Thu Bon river basin through November 11, 2026. These plants include A Vuong, Song Bung 2, Song Bung 4, Dak Mi 4A, and Song Tranh 2. Water levels in these reservoirs are critically low, with the Song Tranh 2 reservoir level reported at 27 meters lower than the same period last year. This measure aims to maximize water storage during forecasted rainfall to mitigate risks of droughts and saltwater intrusion in 2027, which local authorities believe could threaten agricultural production and domestic water supplies.