Vietnam Faces Water Scarcity in 2021: Experts

Vietnam will face water scarcity, including drought in the Central Highlands and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta region, state media cited hydrometeorology experts as saying. Notably, the high-level saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta region may happen from February 9-15 on the occasion of the Lunar New Year or Tet holiday, experts said. Regarding the lack of water, Mr. Hoang Phuc Lam, vice head of the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting stated that the northern areas will face a water shortage of 20%-50% from February to July while the central localities of Nghe An, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and the Central Highlands will face drought from March to April. For the saltwater intrusion issue, Mr. Vu Duc Long, vice head of the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, said that such a problem will arise in the Mekong Delta region from late this month and may reach a high level in February and March. To cope with such an issue, the National Center for Hydrometeorology Forecasting recommended localities in the Mekong Delta region to promptly update hydro-meteorological forecasts and take proactive measures to prevent drought and saltwater intrusion. (Vietnam Plus, vietnamplus.vn, baotainguyenmoitruong.vn, vov.vn)