VietNamNet Bridge - The concerns among experts is that the dyke, at a lower level, may protect Hanoi in case of heavy floods.


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Hanoi authorities have twice sent official dispatches to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), proposing to lower the level of the dyke section from Thang Loi Hotel to An Dương mouth gate in Tay Ho district by one meter. 

The lowering of the dyke level would facilitate the construction of a flyover at the An Duong-Thanh Nien crossroads.

In reply, MARD said it agrees with the proposal, reminding local authorities to consult with agencies and organizations when working on a detailed plan.

The information has worried Hanoians, because the dyke section plays a very important role in preventing floods in the inner city of Hanoi.

The information has worried Hanoians, because the dyke section plays a very important role in preventing floods in the inner city of Hanoi.
“The dyke system was set up by our ancestors many years ago and it has been reinforced by the next generations in order to prevent floods. I am worried that the lowering of the dyke level would affect flood prevention,” Sau, a local woman said. 

She said that the lowering would be implemented on only a dyke section, but it would affect the structure of the entire dyke system.

Under the proposed plan, a part of the soil-made dyke would be replaced by an L-shaped reinforced concrete barrier.

Experts said they were not sure if the concrete wall would be sufficient for flood prevention. 

Nguyen Xuan Thuy, an expert on urban transport, said that the ancestors had their reason to build the dyke system at such a height, and it is necessary to think carefully before making changes to the system. 

Some people argue that the water level on the Red River has always been low for many years, since hydropower plants were built in Lai Chau, Son La and Hoa Binh. Therefore, flooding is no longer a threat to Hanoi.

However, Thuy stressed that Vietnam is experiencing climate change. Storms and heavy rains occurred in recent months in Mekong Delta and the central region.

“As the Red River is getting more depleted and the river bed is no longer as large as it was in the past, it is quite possible that the water level will rise. If so, this will be a disaster for Hanoi,” he warned.

“In 1970-1980s, we witnessed the water level rising and almost reaching up to the dyke. Hanoi then was nearly put under water,” he said. “I think it would be better not to lower the dyke level, because this will affect the safety of the city.”


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