Gia Lai Irrigation Co., Ltd confirmed that several of its 17 large reservoirs have already exceeded designed water levels and are discharging through spillways, including Biển Hồ B, Tân Sơn, Tầu Dầu 2, Ia Hrung, Hà Ra Nam, and Hà Ra Bắc.
Meanwhile, the remaining reservoirs have reached 70-90% of capacity, and 28 weirs have surpassed spillway thresholds.
The western region of Gia Lai, which entered peak rainy season two months earlier than the eastern communes, is expected to face heavy rainfall through year-end.
The provincial hydrometeorological station said the early rains have created favorable conditions to store water for the 2025-2026 winter-spring crop, but also heightened risks to aging infrastructure.
Nguyễn Chí Công, Director of the Chư Păh-Ia Grai irrigation branch, noted that Biển Hồ B and Tân Sơn reservoirs surpassed normal water levels earlier than last year.
Staff are stationed around the clock, while local communes have been mobilized with equipment and materials for disaster prevention.
Gia Lai’s western region operates 352 irrigation works that support key crops such as coffee and rice, in addition to supplying household water.
Many facilities, built 20–30 years ago, show signs of deterioration, with limited funding for maintenance. Ensuring their safety during the rainy season has become a top priority.
In Biển Hồ commune, where two major reservoirs have already exceeded free spillway levels, authorities are conducting frequent inspections and regulating flows to prevent downstream flooding.
Local disaster prevention teams have also set up Zalo communication groups to quickly relay warnings to villages.
Deputy Director Phan Phước Thiện said the company has strengthened its disaster prevention, search and rescue team and stockpiled essential equipment, including sandbags, generators, ropes, and life buoys.
Since April 2025, inspections of major reservoirs have been carried out in coordination with specialized agencies, with 24/7 monitoring in place.
The company also follows strict inter-reservoir operation procedures for the Ayun Hạ and Ia Mlá facilities to minimize downstream risks.
At Ia Ring, officials are working with local disaster prevention commands in Chư Sê and Bờ Ngoong to ensure rapid response plans are in place.
“At this time, most facilities are operating safely at designed storage capacity. We remain on high alert and are determined to ensure all irrigation works withstand flooding during this rainy season,” Thiện said.