Hanoi gives financial support to drought-hit localities

Accordingly, the beneficiaries, including Can Tho, Bac Lieu, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Phu Yen, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Kien Giang, Tien Giang, Soc Trang, Long An, Ca Mau, Dak Nong and Lam Dong, will receive US$45,000 each.

Previously, the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) provided over US$1 million in support of 16 localities in the regions.

The Vietnam Red Cross Society also began sending emergency relief to residents in 11 central, Central Highlands and Mekong Delta provinces suffering from acute drought and saltwater intrusion.

At present, many localities in these regions are currently severely hit by drought and saltwater. Especially, all 13 localities in the Mekong Delta region have incurred losses caused by saline intrusion.

Hydrometeorology monitoring data in the Central Highlands, from December 2015 to February 2016, shows rainfall in the region dropped by 40% year on year, while water levels in almost all reservoirs fell by between 15-35% compared to the average level of previous years. Over 35% of rivers and streams and 40% of small lakes have become dry.

The Government has asked relevant ministries and sectors to intensify measures to prevent drought, focusing on dredging canals, and building temporary embankments to store water.