Thousands of
families in Vietnam’s
Mekong River Delta are facing shortages of fresh water due to the rising levels
of salt water, which began in early February 2010. Salt water also threatens
hundreds of hectares of crops.
In Hau Giang province, salt water has inundated seven
communes, with salty concentrations of 2.6-7%. In the next several days, when
flood-tides grow, concentrations may reach 6-8%.
Salt water has infiltrated 30 kilometers into the mainland
of Tien Giang province. Area agencies report that more than 6000ha of
winter-spring rice have been affected. Fresh water is being transported from
the TienRiver to serve area residents.
The situation is similar in Ben Tre province. Lack of fresh
water is very common along coastal communes. Now, more than 10,000 families
must buy fresh water for daily use. From now until May, the situation is
forecasted to become even more serious in Ben Tre.
In Bac Lieu province, over 20,000ha of rice are being
affected by the encroachment of salt water.
Salt water is also creeping into the fields of Kien Giang,
Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh and Ca Mau provinces, with salt concentrations of
between 5.7-21%.
