HCMC – Authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long have raised the natural disaster risk warning for saltwater intrusion to nearly Level 2, the second level on Vietnam’s five-tier disaster warning scale, as salinity levels continue rising in major rivers, threatening fruit-growing areas and domestic water supplies.
According to the provincial hydrometeorological center, the period from May 12 to 14 is expected to see the deepest saltwater intrusion this year. Salinity on the Hau River reached 6.5‰ at Vam Tra Kha, while readings on the Co Chien River hit 5.5‰ at Vam Hung My.
The 1‰ salinity boundary has advanced between 47 kilometers and more than 54 kilometers inland.
Facing increasingly complex conditions, local authorities have instructed relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness measures and ensure adequate supplies of clean water for residents, preventing the use of unsafe water sources. To protect specialized fruit-growing areas, Ben Tre Irrigation Works Exploitation One-Member LLC and Tra Vinh Irrigation Works Exploitation One-Member LCC have coordinated flexible operations of key sluice gate systems.
Important sluices such as Rach Rum, My Van, Lang The, and Can Chong have been closed to retain freshwater. Authorities said salinity levels inside irrigation canals have so far been maintained below 0.4‰ thanks to coordinated water regulation measures.
Irrigation teams are currently on 24-hour duty, conducting hourly salinity monitoring during peak tides to determine when sluice gates should be opened or closed. The provincial agriculture sector has advised farmers to regularly measure salinity levels before irrigating orchards and proactively store freshwater in ponds and canals to maintain minimum moisture levels for crops.
Local authorities are also reviewing rotating pumping station systems to support water supply in areas facing shortages. Proactive measures during the final phase of the dry season are critical to minimizing economic losses for thousands of households in downstream areas.
