Vietnam is stepping up preparations to safeguard power infrastructure and maintain electricity supply in the northern region ahead of heavy rainfall and flooding forecast this week.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting expecting northern Vietnam and the provinces from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh to receive 150-300mm of rainfall during 17-21 August, with some areas expected to receive more than 450mm. Heavy rainfall could replenish reservoirs and support hydropower output, which has been weak so far this year and lower reliance on coal-power output, and utility demand for seaborne cargoes. The rains can also disrupt the power supply system in the region.

State-owned utility EVN instructed its transmission, distribution and generation subsidiaries, along with the Son La, Hoa Binh, Tuyen Quang and Huoi Quang-Ban Chat hydropower plants, to implement emergency preparedness measures in a directive on 17 August. This followed an order from the country's industry and trade ministry (MOIT) requiring industry departments, power-sector entities, hydropower operators and mining companies to prepare for flooding, flash floods and landslides.

The move comes as the country enters the peak of the wet season and the steps are intended to ensure power supply reliability as the peak flood season has also coincided with the region's annual peak electricity consumption in recent years, EVN said.

The MOIT also ordered local authorities and industry participants to closely monitor weather developments, review emergency-response plans and ensure hydropower dams, reservoirs and mining facilities are prepared for severe weather. The ministry instructed operators to check communications systems, monitoring equipment, flood-warning systems and emergency-response resources.

EVN directed utilities in northern Vietnam and the north-central region to inspect power lines and substations vulnerable to flooding or landslides and prepare personnel, materials and equipment to respond to potential network disruptions. The utility also instructed the Son La, Hoa Binh, Tuyen Quang and Huoi Quang-Ban Chat hydropower plants to closely monitor reservoir inflows and notify downstream authorities and residents before carrying out flood releases.

Hydropower output

The rains could support hydropower output, and raise its share in the generation mix.

Hydropower generation totalled 45TWh in January-July, down by around 9pc from a year earlier, according to Argus analysis of National System and Market Operator (NSMO) data. Lower hydropower availability increased reliance on coal-fired generation, which rose by 12pc on the year to 106.7TWh in the first seven months of 2026, supporting demand for imported coal. Vietnam imported 47.41mn t of coal in January-July, up by 9.8pc from 43.18mn t a year earlier, according to customs data. The statistics do not distinguish between thermal and coking coal.