Tien Giang (VNA)– Erosion is threatening residential areas and shrimpfarming land in coastal areas of Go Cong and Tan Phu Dong districts in thesouthern Tien Giang Province.
Over the past decade, thesea has eaten away over 1,100 hectares of land in the coastal areas in Go Cong,according to the provincial division for irrigation and flood and storm controlunder the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Similar situation hasbeen seen in many islands located where Cua Tieu and Cua Dai rivers flow intothe sea in Tan Phu Dong district.
According to Chairman ofthe district People’s Committee Nguyen Quoc Khanh, in 2016, sea encroachmentclaimed 211 hectares of coastal land, causing damaged to the houses of 26 familiesalong with shrimp farms and other facilities.
Another 152,000 sq. m.of land along local rivers were also lost due to erosion, putting the life of 142local households on the line.
Strong winds and hightides have increased sea encroachment, particularly during the stormy seasonfrom September to December, said Huynh Phuoc Hai, Deputy Director of the divisionof irrigation and flood and storm control.
The province has takennumerous drastic measures to address the situation, including plantingprotection forests along coastal areas in Go Cong and Tan Phu Dong districts.
Management andprotection of local forests have been strengthened while the Go Cong sea dykeis being upgraded.-VNA