Water shortages, climate change linked to saline intrusion in Mekong Delta

The most severe saline intrusion - the movement of ocean saltwater into riverine freshwater - is said to occur in the Mekong Delta region from February 8 to 16, coinciding with the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, since Chinese hydro-power plants have reduced their water discharge, which affects water flows downstream on the Mekong River, experts have said.
Water shortages, climate change linked to saline intrusion in Mekong Delta ảnh 1Water shortages, climate change linked to saline intrusion in Mekong Delta. (Photo: VNA)
Can Tho (VNA) - The most severesaline intrusion - the movement of ocean saltwater into riverine freshwater - issaid to occur in the Mekong Delta region from February 8 to 16, coinciding withthe Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, since Chinese hydro-power plants have reducedtheir water discharge, which affects water flows downstream on the MekongRiver, experts have said.

From January 5 to 24, the Jinhong HydropowerStation in China’s Yunnan province reduced its water discharge to some 1,000 cu.m per second to ensure safety for its power grid. Discharge has remained low.

Ky Quang Vinh, a former official at Can Thocity’s climate change bureau, said climate change will be the main cause ofsaltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta in 2021. Low rainfall last year made ithard for upstream countries to store water let alone lower regions like theMekong Delta.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Ministry ofAgriculture and Rural Development said water resources during the 2020-2021 dryseason will be low and the worst saline intrusion in history has been predicted.

Chinese hydropower plants’ cutting their waterdischarge in January will make the salinity depth increase to 4g/l in the mouthof the Mekong Delta’s Vam Co River and Cai Lon River, the representative said.

According to the Southern Institute of WaterResources Research, water storage in Tonle Sap and water flows to Cambodia’sKratie province are key drivers of saline intrusion in the Delta. Water levelsin Tonle Sap and Kratie stations are, however, said to be lower than in previousyears.

It recommended Mekong Delta localities pay dueattention to saline intrusion prevention measures, such as the rationaloperation of irrigation works and reductions in drainage, saying water storageshould be completed before February 7 as this will help reduce damage whensalinity levels increase during Tet.

In response to saline intrusion, Vinh Longprovince plans to spend more than 1.65 trillion VND (71.59 million USD) onsupporting local production during the 2020-2021 dry season. It has asked theMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide more than 1.57trillion VND to dredge up canals so as to create water sources for localirrigation.

Meanwhile, relevant authorities in Hau Giangprovince are working to keep close watch on saline intrusion before, during,and after Tet, identify timely measures to support households who experiencewater shortages, and provide local people with sufficient information so they canrespond appropriately.

Tien Giang province, which was hit hard bysaline intrusion in 2020, decided to build eight dams on local canals as a preventivemeasure. The move aims to ensure water for 120,250 ha of agricultural land and1.1 million residents in Tien Giang and Long An provinces. Construction of thedams will be completed before Tet./.
VNA

See more

The northern region of Vietnam is expected to experience cold weather and drizzle during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. (Illustrative Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Cold, wet weather expected during Tet holiday

The northern region of Vietnam is expected to experience cold weather and drizzle during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, according to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam urged to embrace alternatives to plastics for sustainable future

A research group from the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) is sounding the alarm on Vietnam's plastic waste crisis and advocating for a transformative shift towards sustainable alternatives.

A coastal area under the nature-based mangrove restoration project in Soc Trang. (Photo: VNA)

Project helps restore mangrove forests through nature-based solutions in Soc Trang

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Soc Trang province, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Coca-Cola Foundation, organised a conference on January 16 to launch a project on increasing the coastal resilience of the Mekong Delta through mangrove restoration and nature-based solutions in the province.

Experts and representatives from businesses join a talk show at the event (Photo: VNA)

Programme supports businesses in practicing ESG

A programme was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on January 16 to support businesses in Vietnam in measuring and implementing comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices in human resources management to improve their competitive edge in the global supply chain.

Participants at the launch ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Ca Mau takes stand against illegal wildlife use

A campaign against the illegal use of wildlife was launched by the People's Committee of U Minh district in the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau in collaboration with the Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW) on January 14.