The inspection and evaluation of the current status, along with the upgrade and repair of weak structures, have been carried out seriously. At the same time, disaster prevention and response plans have been developed in detail. These efforts contribute to ensuring the safety of people and stabilizing agricultural production during the rainy and flood season.

Pá Khoang Reservoir is an essential project in the Nậm Rốm Major Irrigation System, playing a critical role in providing stable irrigation water for more than 4,000 hectares of paddy fields in the Mường Thanh Basin and serving the operation of four hydroelectric plants in the area. With its large capacity, it is considered one of the most important reservoirs in the province. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the dam is always a top priority, especially during the rainy and flood seasons. Routine inspections of critical components such as the dam’s surface, spillways, water intake structures, and checks for seepage, sliding, and other issues are performed regularly. During the rainy season, the water level in the reservoir is maintained lower than the spillway crest by 0.5-1 meter to regulate water flow during heavy rains.

Nguyễn Công Định, the leader of the Pá Khoang - Noọng Luông Irrigation Cluster, shared: “We always recognize that managing and operating the reservoir is a task with no room for error. From ‘counting water and measuring rainfall’ to monitoring even the smallest signs on the dam’s body, every development must be documented and handled promptly.”

From June to November each year, Điện Biên is often affected by typhoons and tropical depressions causing heavy rainfall, sometimes exceeding 200mm. According to the forecast for 2025, due to the impacts of climate change, extreme weather events will increase, with 11-13 typhoons expected in the East Sea, of which 4-6 will directly affect the mainland. In addition, there are risks of thunderstorms, hail, flash floods, landslides, and flooding, particularly in the peak months from June to November.

In response to this, the Điện Biên Irrigation Management Company has developed its 2025 Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue plan with specific actions. According to the plan, when the reservoir reaches the first-level alert (warning), the Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Steering Committee, along with technical staff at the reservoir, will be on duty 24/7 to monitor the situation. For reservoirs without regulation gates, such as Pá Khoang, Lọng Luông 1, Nậm Khẩu Hu, the process of releasing water through deep outlets will be implemented according to regulations, ensuring the water level remains 0.6-1 meter below the spillway. Operational staff will also strictly inspect monitoring equipment, prevent unauthorized access, and monitor floating debris while recording the situation in the monitoring log. In case the water level exceeds normal levels and reaches the second-level alert (emergency), the Steering Committee will mobilize all local forces and additional support from the company to the site. Critical components will be inspected, and materials such as sandbags, rocks, and steel cages will be prepared for potential emergencies. Local authorities will be promptly informed to prepare for evacuating residents if necessary.

Nguyễn Văn Cường, a worker at the Irrigation Cluster, shared: “The company has developed a clear Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue plan for 2025. When a situation arises, we don’t differentiate between day or night. Every worker, technician, and equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and transport trucks will be mobilized to the site. We measure and record seepage diagrams four times a day to assess the stability of the dam body.”

Besides the reservoirs, the electric pump stations are also regularly inspected for operational capability, sedimentation levels, and blocked water flow. When any risks or issues are detected, the staff at the stations immediately report to the Steering Committee for timely resolution according to the "four on-site" principle. Notably, the company has established a Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Steering Committee for 2025, consisting of 17 members, directly managed by the company’s executive board. The company is also fully prepared with materials and equipment, including 14 trucks, 4 excavators, 3 bulldozers, 3 compactors, 8 oil pumps, and a 10KW generator to operate the water intake gates at reservoirs without spillways. In case of a large typhoon warning, committee members are on 24-hour standby at their assigned positions.

Lê Văn Thi, Director of the Điện Biên Irrigation Management Company, held: “Before the rainy season, the company coordinated with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, Irrigation Sub-departments, and local authorities to inspect the structures of 13 dams and reservoirs. Based on the inspection results, the facilities are generally safe for serving agricultural production, community needs, and ensuring safety during the 2025 rainy and flood season. The company has submitted a report to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment on the status of irrigation infrastructure safety before the rainy season. With thorough preparation and proactive measures, the safety of the irrigation dams and reservoirs in Điện Biên is being taken seriously, ensuring protection for agricultural production and the lives of people in downstream areas.”