High saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta

Mr. Tran Ba ​​Hoang, Director of the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research, said that the water source in the Mekong basin is about 0.12m lower than the same period in 2016. Saline intrusion is 6 to 13km higher than the average of many years, in Ham Luong River, saltwater of 4g/l has intruded 56km, Co Chien river 51km, Cai Lon river 50km, Hau river 45km... the highest salinity of 2021 is forecasted to be between February 25, 2021 and March 4, 2021.

The coastal areas of the Mekong Delta will lack fresh water for agricultural production and daily life. About 37,800ha of 2020-2021 winter-spring rice crop and about 40,000 to 50,000ha of fruit trees are at risk of water shortage. Drought and salinity this year are forecasted to be equivalent to 2016, lower than that of 2020.

According to the Southern Institute of Water Resource Research, the areas at risk in rice production include Long An with 1,500ha, Tra Vinh 15,000ha, Bac Lieu 25,000ha...; those at risk in trees growing include the provinces of Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long and Soc Trang. If water is not stored in advance, the productivity will surely be affected. 

Other recommendations for localities include building more resevoirs to store freshwater and upgrading irrigation systems. At the same time, promote water resources for every fresh and brackish area in the middle of the Mekong Delta, enhance the capacity of supplying fresh water and storing water on the spot for coastal areas, closely monitor developments of saline and drought to promptly notify people to prevent and reduce damage.