On May 9, 2025, Nam Theun 1 Power Company and E&E Engineering and Service Co., Ltd. successfully completed the 2025 Emergency Action Plan Dissemination and Evacuation Drill at the NT1PC Pakkading Site, Phonchaleun Village, Pakkading District, Bolikhamxay Province.
The drill simulated scenarios involving a severe earthquake that damaged the NT1 dam. This necessitated a rapid reduction in the catchment water level, which would have caused severe and sudden flooding downstream. In this simulated situation, staff working at the powerhouse and dam crest, as well as people downstream, needed to be evacuated to designated safe areas identified on the evacuation map.
The drill commenced at 9:00 AM in the control room. Following the emergency announcement, staff members enacted their assigned roles, fulfilled their responsibilities, and communicated effectively to achieve a complete evacuation.
The Emergency Action Plan Dissemination and Evacuation Drill is a crucial activity for several reasons:
- Preparedness and Familiarization: The drill enhances staff readiness and creates familiarity with emergency procedures. It helps each staff member understand their specific role in an emergency situation, learn and remember safe and efficient evacuation routes, and reduces panic and confusion should a real event occur. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to inspect the functionality of all emergency equipment.
- EAP Assessment and Improvement: The drill aids in the assessment and improvement of the Emergency Action Plan. By observing the simulation, any challenges or flaws in the plan can be identified and subsequently rectified, making the plan more effective and suitable for real-world scenarios.
The successful completion of the 2025 Emergency Action Plan Dissemination and Evacuation Drill highlights our proactive approach to safety and emergency preparedness. The lessons learned and the familiarization gained through this exercise will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to respond effectively and efficiently, safeguarding our personnel and the surrounding community in the event of a real emergency at the NT1PC Pakkading Site.