This year’s dry season may see more severe inland saltwater intrusion than last year, putting Vietnam's Mekong Delta region at risk of a fresh water shortage next month, according to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting.

The center has recently warned that during the ongoing dry season, saline intrusion is expected to surpass the average levels observed in previous years.

This phenomenon, attributed to the El Nino, may lead to a fresh water dearth in many localities in the region.

The El Nino could result in unconventional weather patterns and trigger natural disasters, compounding the challenges faced by the affected areas.

During peak saltwater intrusion from February to April 2024, saltwater will intrude deep into the estuaries in the region, causing many localities to fall short of their fresh water needs, the agency elaborated. 

The same situation, along with drought, may also occur in the central and Central Highlands regions, affecting agricultural production and people’s daily life.

Recently, the Ham Luong River in Ben Tre Province, one of the 13 localities in the delta region, saw over 50km of inland saline intrusion, which has been poised to increase to about 62km, according to the local hydrometeorological station.

The one-ppt salinity (one gram of salt over 1,000 grams of water) on the Co Chien River encroached 54km and has been predicted to extend 4km further inland.

The station previously warned that salinity on river branches would increase with peak tides until Tuesday. 

In Bac Lieu Province, another province in the region, authorities have developed three scenarios for drought and saltwater intrusion, tailored to different severity levels, said Lai Thanh An, director of the provincial irrigation agency.

In light of this situation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh took action on Monday by issuing a directive to tell the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to closely monitor the weather and hydrological conditions.

The fiat specifically requested predictions regarding water sources, their quality, and the potential risks of saline intrusion, fresh water shortages, and drought across the country.

Special attention was emphasized for regions most vulnerable, such as the Mekong Delta, as well as the central and Central Highlands parts.

The PM assigned the agriculture ministry to set out plans to prevent, alleviate, and overcome consequences caused by such undesirable conditions.

The ministry must also issue instructions to farmers on how to organize farming production to minimize impacts of adverse factors, the dispatch said.          

All local authorities in the Mekong Delta region must prioritize sufficient supply of water for residents, health facilities, schools, and other essential needs, while calling on people to use water economically and efficiently.

In addition to Ben Tre and Bac Lieu, the other 11 Mekong Delta localities include Can Tho City and the 10 provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, An Giang, Vinh Long, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Dong Thap,  Kien Giang, Hau Giang, and Ca Mau.

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