Da Nang’s Reservoirs Hit Critical Low: What It Means for Power and Water

Nguyen Thanh Binh, deputy general director of Dak Mi Hydropower JSC, said the water level at the Dak Mi 4 reservoir is only about 70 centimetres above the dead‑storage line. The reservoir’s level remains just a few dozen centimetres above the threshold that marks the end of usable storage.
Vu Duc Toan, director of Song Tranh Hydropower Company, reported that the water level at Song Tranh 2 is 148 metres above sea level, which is 27 metres below its normal full‑supply level of 175 metres. The low level is unusual for the middle of the rainy and flood season.
Nguyen Thanh Binh said inflows have dropped sharply, and total rainfall across Da Nang has been 20‑40 % below the long‑term average. He added that the limited inflow is insufficient for the generating units, making electricity production and business operations difficult.
Truong Xuan Ty, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the depletion is associated with the effects of El Niño. He also said the department is closely monitoring rainfall, river flows and reservoir levels to prepare appropriate management plans.
The critically low reservoir levels mean Da Nang could face power cuts and reduced water storage unless rainfall improves. Residents should watch for updates on electricity supply and water management in the coming weeks.