Dak Lak sees severe water shortage. (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The central region and the Tay Nguyen Central Highlands will see even more severe droughts and water shortage this year compared to 2015, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned.
Water volume in rivers in central and Central Highlands regions is forecast to be 50 – 80 percent lower than average in the dry season from now to May, and record low water levels may be seen in many rivers.
Meanwhile, water shortages are likely to occur in some northern localities, particularly in mountainous and midland areas.
The centre said the El Nino phenomenon, which started in 2014, has continued through 2015 well into 2016 and will abate in early summer.
Under its impact, fewer storms and tropical depressions will occur in the East Sea and the average rainfall will be 25 – 50 percent less than in the previous years, especially in the central region, during the first half of 2016.
Temperatures in northern localities during the period will be 0.5 – 1 degree Celsius warmer than the traditional average while those recorded in the south will be 1 – 1.5 degree Celsius higher, he said.
Heat wave is expected to come earlier than usual in the northwest, central and southern regions.-VNA
