Water levels in Hoa Binh reservoir are at their lowest levels in more than a century, experts claim.
 

Water levels in Hoa Binh reservoir are at their lowest levels in more than a century.

These low-water levels may lead to possible electricity shortages.

The current water level at the reservoir is 99m, which is much lower than the reservoir\'s 117m capacity.

About 24.5 billion cu.m of water flowed into the reservoir this year, which is 18.3 billion cu.m lower than the same period in previous years.

The National Hydrometeorological Forecast Centre warned that the total amount of water flowing into the reservoir during the remaining quarter of this year would reach 9.4 billion cu.m.

The reservoir\'s water level is estimated to decrease by 22.5 billion cu.m by the year\'s end.

This year\'s severe drought is to blame for the problem, said Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant director Nguyen Van Thanh.

There has been one small flood this year. In the past, there were between five and eight floods, he said.