HANOI: Amidst a severe shortage of fresh water affecting thousands in Vietnam, authorities have declared a state of emergency on April 6, grappling with the dual challenges of drought and salinisation. The crisis, triggered by weeks-long scorching temperatures, has intensified in Tien Giang province, situated just 60km south of the bustling commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City.
Of particular concern is the Tan Phu Dong area, nestled along the South China Sea coastline and crisscrossed by waterways, which has been significantly impacted by saline intrusion.
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According to reports from the state-controlled Vietnam News Agency, the intrusion of saltwater from the sea has wreaked havoc on crops and disrupted daily life for thousands of households among the 43,000 residents in the region.
In response to the escalating situation, a state of emergency has been declared for the Tan Phu Dong district, with authorities mobilizing efforts to transport fresh water to ponds and reservoirs to ensure a steady supply for affected communities.
The severity of the crisis is compounded by the dry season, exacerbating drought conditions and deepening saline intrusion in the upper Tien River, effectively surrounding communities with salty water.
The Mekong Delta, a vital agricultural region that sustains millions of livelihoods, grapples with saltwater intrusion annually. However, the current situation is exacerbated by intensifying hot weather and rising sea levels, both attributed to climate change, heightening the risk of such crises.
Recent research indicates that Vietnam’s Mekong Delta faces substantial economic losses, with crop damages amounting to nearly US$3 billion annually due to saltwater intrusion. Rice and fruit farms spanning approximately 80,000 hectares are at risk of being affected by salinisation, underscoring the urgent need for mitigation measures.
The dire situation echoes the challenges faced during the 2016 drought, deemed the worst in a century, which resulted in the salinisation of 160,000 hectares of arable land. As Vietnam grapples with the impacts of climate change on its vital agricultural regions, urgent action is required to mitigate the adverse effects and safeguard the livelihoods of its populace.
