Drought at peak dry season impacts over 20,000ha of farmland

About 20,090ha of farmland and over 2,600 households have been hit by drought and water scarcity in the Central Region, Central Highlands, and Southeastern Regions, which are now in the peak period of the 2023 - 2024 dry season.

The provinces with affected farmland include Binh Thuan 365ha in the south central region, Kon Tum 57ha, and Gia Lai 219ha, said the Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The department forecast drought and water scarcity will peak in late April in the Central Highlands and mid-May in the southeastern region. The dry season will last through August in the central region.

The water volume stored in irrigation reservoirs now stands at about 35 - 80% of their designed capacity in the central region, 33 - 51% in the Central Highlands, and 45 - 80% in the southeast.

The Department of Water Resources, recommended localities continue response measures as instructed by the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

They should also ready plans on water supply for people’s daily life and production activities./.

VNA