Dozens of households in Nam Hoa commune, Thai Nguyen province, have been affected after the sludge reservoir of a steel plant owned by Thai Nguyen Ferrous Metallurgy Joint Stock Company ruptured.

On the morning of October 13, Nguyen Van Son, Party Secretary of Nam Hoa commune, confirmed to VietNamNet that the sludge reservoir of the steel plant had burst and overflowed.

According to on-site observations, the sludge reservoir, with a processing capacity of 100,000 tons per year, is owned by Thai Nguyen Ferrous Metallurgy JSC and located on a hillside in Nam Hoa commune. The dam surrounding the reservoir has collapsed.

After the breach, a large volume of thick sludge flowed downhill, covering agricultural land, fish ponds, and residential areas downstream.

Local residents reported that the incident occurred on the morning of October 7. Sludge from the reservoir poured into Goc Thi and Ao Sen hamlets, submerging roads, gardens, and ponds belonging to many households.

Preliminary reports show that over 30 households have been affected, mainly suffering property damage and loss of crops and cultivated land. Some areas remain deeply submerged in the viscous sludge, which emits a strong, pungent odor, raising environmental and health concerns.

According to Nguyen Van Son, the initial cause was determined to be prolonged heavy rainfall that led to flooding and the subsequent collapse of the reservoir’s embankment.

"Immediately after the incident, we directed local authorities to coordinate with village leaders and the plant’s operators to collect sludge samples and send them for independent testing. If the tests reveal any chemical contamination, we will report it to higher authorities for resolution. If no contamination is found, the responsibility for remediation and compensation will fall to the Thai Nguyen Ferrous Metallurgy Company,” he stated.

He also emphasized that determining whether the sludge contains chemicals requires independent laboratory results. Local authorities do not have the capacity to make that determination on their own.

Nam Hoa commune’s government has held a public meeting to inform residents about the situation and is working with Thai Nguyen Ferrous Metallurgy JSC to address the aftermath.

The company has since reinforced the breached section, strengthened the reservoir embankment, and deployed machinery and manpower to clean up the sludge in the downstream area. They are also assessing damages and preparing compensation and support for affected residents.

Bao Khanh