Environment

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
#saline intrusion#Mekong Delta region#Lunar New Year#Jinhong Hydropower Station#Vietnam#VietnamPlus#Vietnam news
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

Kon Plong district in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum (Photo: VNA)

3.7 magnitude earthquake hits Kon Tum

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake hit Kon Plong district in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum on October 23 evening, according to the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Centre under the Institute of Geophysics.

Nha Trang Bay covers nearly 250 km2 and is one of the 16 marine protected areas in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Nha Trang bay marine ecosystem records positive recovery

The marine ecosystem of the Nha Trang bay in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa has gradually shown positive recovery after more than 1.5 years implementing concerted solutions under a masterplan to preserve and restore coral reefs there.

At the ENV's press conference on October 22. (Photo: VNA)

ENV helps Vietnam do away with bear farming

The Education for Nature – Vietnam (ENV), Vietnam’s first non-governmental organisation focused on wildlife conservation, organised a press conference on October 22 to review its efforts over the past two decades to end bear farming for bile in the country.

Plastic bottles arranged to create a beautiful ceiling lighting system. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam promoting circular economy through waste, packaging recycling

Sorting, collecting, and recycling packaging is one of the solutions that not only helps regenerate products but also effectively reduces environmental pollution, heard a conference on circular economy held within the framework of the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City on October 22.

Reviving 'Green Belt' in south-central region

Reviving 'Green Belt' in south-central region

Mangrove forests are a unique and rare ecosystem that form in coastal areas and river estuaries that are influenced by tidal effects. Occupying just over 1% of Vietnam’s total forest area (14.4 million ha), yet they play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of climate change.

UNDP recommends Can Tho establish river waste collection system

UNDP recommends Can Tho establish river waste collection system

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho generates approximately 650 tons of waste daily. While the garbage collection rate is relatively high at 85%, the city continues to struggle with waste management that ends up in waterways, floating markets, rivers, and lakes.

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, speak at the debate. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam raises suggestions at UNGA’s environmental, climate debate

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, on October 16 recommended several issues that the organisation and its member states should prioritise and promote in the coming time, at a meeting hosted by the Economic and Financial Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA)’s 77th Session.

Representatives from ministries, agencies and organisations at the launch of the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam Award 2024. (Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn)

ASEAN Eco-schools Award launched in Vietnam

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with the Office of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) in Vietnam and relevant units, held a ceremony on October 14 to launch the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam Award 2024.

The National Forestry Planning for the 2021 – 2030 period, with a vision to 2050 sets a target of forest coverage rate of 42-43%. (Photo: VNA)

National Forestry Planning announced

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has set a target of reaching a stable national forest cover rate of 42-43%, focusing on improving forest quality by 2030.

Delegates at second AZEC Leaders' Meeting (Photo: VNA)

PM urges drastic action for net-zero emission in Asia

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged countries to take more drastic actions, with stronger will and determination, to tackle climate change, aiming for net-zero emissions across Asia as soon as possible.

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam observes International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinated with the United Nations (UN) representative agencies in Vietnam and the Thua Thien-Hue provincial People's Committee on October 11 held a ceremony in response to the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management in Hue city.

A view of the K50 Waterfall (Hang En Waterfall) in the Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. (Photo: VNA)

Network to connect ASEAN Heritage Parks in Vietnam

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) is developing a network to connect ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) in Vietnam, as part of activities in implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, with a vision for 2050.

At the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s forestry sector leads in achieving net negative emissions

Forestry is now the only sector capable of achieving net negative emissions, thanks to the Government's forestry development policies, including the closure of natural forests, forest protection and development, coupled with international sponsorship, said Director of the Forestry Department Tran Quang Bao.

An entrepreneur pitches his ideas to the panel of experts at the workshop. (Photo: VNA)

Forest programme boosts local businesses

Vietnam has increased forest coverage from 23% in 1994 to more than 45% today, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to forestation, according to Alexis Corblin, Regional Technical Advisor of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

PM Pham Minh Chinh chairs the meeting (Photo: VNA)

PM urges drastic action for green transition

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 2 called for stronger determination and more drastic action to combat climate change, stressing that green transformation, energy transition, and greenhouse gas emission reduction are inevitable and irreversible trends.