Drought and saline intrusion have caused 400 million USD losses (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Drought and saline intrusion in south central coast, central highlands and southern provinces have caused damage worth nearly 8.9 trillion VND (400 million USD) as of May 6, according to the Department of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.
About 433,000 household in these areas have suffered from daily water shortages.
The severe weather has also resulted in losses of more than 249,000 hectares of paddy and 19,000 hectares of farm produce, 30,194 hectares of fruit-trees, 131,941 hectares of industrial crops and 5,137 hectares of aquaculture.
The Southern Institute of Water Resources Research forecasts saline instruction in southern provinces would remain high in May if there was no rain.
Earlier, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment decided to provide financial aid to 13 Mekong Delta and Central Highlands provinces to provide drought-affected residents water for daily use.
The provinces will receive 500 million VND (over 22,400 USD) apiece.-VNA
