(VOVWORLD) - Mekong Delta provinces are facing a more severe drought than in the 2015-2016 dry season, when historic drought and saline intrusion were recorded. Many localities have declared an emergency. The Prime Minister has urged Mekong Delta provinces to promote resilience – Vietnam’s remedy for any difficulty.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a meeting with leaders of Mekong Delta provinces |
Saltwater is forecast to intrude more than 100km into the Mekong River Delta, causing a shortage of fresh water and affect farming. Saline intrusion, climate change, and sea-level rise are posing great challenges to people’s lives.
Resolute determination needed to address the problem
The Prime Minister has asked for emergency measures to minimize losses, including monitoring upstream water and assessing water resources.
Mr. Phuc said: "Drought is really a serious problem, but with joint efforts and resolute determination on the part of the Government, businesses, and the public, we can overcome this challenge. Our great remedy is resilience. The more difficult it is, the stronger Vietnamese people become."
The Prime Minister urged local administrations to promote resilience, apply technology, and mobilize resources.
He said: "We need to increase the number of reservoirs and determine the size and locations of reservoirs in Ben Tre, An Giang, and other provinces. We need specific plans for the 2021-2025 period."
Localities resolved to surmount difficulties
Ca Mau province has strengthened communications to create consensus and mobilize public support for fresh water allocation to save threatened vegetable and fruit crops. Ben Tre province has built temporary dams to block saline intrusion.
Nguyen Huu Hoai Phuong, Director of the Kien Giang Water Resource MTV Company, said: "The province has regulated the supply of fresh water and prepared stand-by wells to ensure water in the dry season. We encourage people to save water."
People in the Mekong River Delta have changed production methods and stocked fresh water. Pham Van Tien of Vinh Long province said that thanks to the state’s irrigation system and thorough preparations, his family has sufficient water for irrigation.
"I have reserved around 100 cubic meters of water in 4 canals – enough for 4 or 5 irrigations. I regularly check to see if these canals have leaked," said Tien
Saltwater encroachment has affected the Mekong Delta since last December and continues to worsen.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, more than 95,000 households are experiencing a water shortage.