Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat urged northern and central localities to actively address prolonged heat waves on June 4.

The Minister, who is also head of the Central Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, requested localities, ministries and sectors monitor the development of the situation and devise response plans accordingly.

Concrete measures are to be implemented in regulating irrigation systems and dredging channels, ponds and lakes to ensure adequate water supply for agricultural production.

The Ministry is to work closely with localities in addressing droughts and adjusting crops based on the respective local situations while seeking water reservation methods for next summer.

Sufficient supplies of drinking water and electricity are also among priorities to ensure favourable conditions for the daily life and production of local people.

Northern and central regions, especially localities from Khanh Hoa to Ninh Thuan provinces, have suffered from continuous drought and shortage of water due to midday temperatures hovering around 42 degrees C.

The heat waves are expected to continue and result in more severe droughts and deep salt intrusion in coastal and delta areas, according to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF).-VNA