Heavy rain, whirlwind and flood tides in the southern province of Ca Mau over the past several months have caused serious impacts on agricultural production and threaten safety of local people.

According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in July alone 12km of sea dikes were seriously damaged by rains, while nearly 1,000 ha of shrimp farming area were inundated, with total losses estimated at more than 8 billion VND. In addition, 20,000 km of river embankments were eroded, forcing dozens of houses to be relocated to safer areas.

According to the Central Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Centre, this year sees higher-than-average rainfalls and floodtides due to climate change.

To minimise losses, the provincial Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control has intensified communication works to update local people on the development of weather, thus helping them quickly respond to any weather situations.

The committee also pays heed to consolidating dyke system to protect agricultural land areas against flood, while drafting plans to evacuate households residing in coastal areas and zones vulnerable to flood and landslide.-VNA