Vietnam PM Asks Ministries, Localities to Respond to Drought, Saltwater Intrusion
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued official dispatch 04/CD-TTg on January 15 to request relevant ministries and localities to actively implement work to respond to the risks of drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion in the coming dry season of 2024, state media reported.
In particular, Mr. Chinh directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to closely monitor the effects of El Nino as well as developments of weather and water resources to promptly forecast hydrology and risks of drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion across the country, especially in the Mekong Delta, the central, Central Highlands regions.
The head of the government told the People’s Committees of centrally-run localities to guide citizens to use water economically and effectively and prioritize ensuring water supply for people, health and educational facilities, and other essential needs.
During the dry season this year, saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta is predicted to be more severe than the average in many years, especially in February-April. The central and Central Highlands localities may experience drought and local shortage of fresh water.