Many localities in the Mekong Delta are facing shortages of fresh water for daily use and irrigation. This period also coincides with the peak of hot weather and saltwater intrusion. Over the past few days, salinity levels at river mouths across the Mekong Delta have begun to gradually increase with the high tide cycle in early February according to the lunar calendar.

The current saltwater intrusion is forecast to last until March 15, reaching its peak from March 10 to 13, 2024. This is also expected to be the period with the highest salinity levels in March. At the mouths of the Mekong River, salinity levels of up to 4 g/L are expected to penetrate 50–60 km inland, depending on the river mouth. This is 3–7 km farther inland than the highest levels recorded so far this dry season and 4–9 km farther than in 2023. Saltwater intrusion is affecting water intake at irrigation facilities located 50–60 km from the sea during high-tide periods. More importantly, for residents’ daily lives, access to clean water for cooking, drinking, bathing and washing has become a serious challenge.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Huan, National Assembly Deputy of Binh Duong Province, shared his views on this issue during the National Assembly’s program “National Assembly with Voters.”

Source: Quoc Hoi TV