The Mekong Delta region could suffer serious salt intrusion by the end of this month, according to the Southern Irrigation Institute (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region could sufferserious salt intrusion by the end of this month, according to the SouthernIrrigation Institute.
Saltwater could penetrate 40 to 50km inland, the institute said.
The Mekong River basin is entering the dry season. Water flow into the regionhas been above the average level since December last year.
Meanwhile, the institute said the amount of water flowing from Tonle Sap – thebiggest lake in Cambodia linked closely to the Mekong River – is lower than inprevious years.
The institute’s forecast says the amount of water coming to the delta throughCambodia’s Kratie irrigation system would remain at a high level, with theaverage discharge rate sitting at 4,000-5,000cu.m per second this month.
The rate will likely drop to 4,000-3,000cu.m per second next month.
The change is dependant on the operation of upstream hydropower plants.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, thetemperature of the region will be 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius higher than theprevious year and rainfall will be roughly the same as in 2018.
While the upper part of the Mekong Delta region is benefiting from an abundanceof water at the moment, other parts of the delta are at risk of shortages.
Water levels in the middle part of the delta remain favourable for cultivation,but farmers must take precautions to prevent abnormal saltwater intrusion,which would damage crops.
The coastal area of the delta is at risk of suffering from a shortage of freshwater, and salt intrusion may be worse than in 2017 dry season.
By the end of this month, saltwater will have intruded into an area within30-40km of the mouth of the Mekong River, with the salinity rate exceeding 4gper litre.
In February, saltwater will reach 40–50km from the river mouth, especiallyduring high tides coupled with northeasterly winds. The salinity may suddenlyincrease higher than forecasted levels.
In March, April and May, the saline intrusion in estuaries is likely todecrease and areas more than 50km inland will enjoy abundant freshwater.
The saline intrusion will occur at high tide, the institute said. -VNS/VNA
Saltwater could penetrate 40 to 50km inland, the institute said.
The Mekong River basin is entering the dry season. Water flow into the regionhas been above the average level since December last year.
Meanwhile, the institute said the amount of water flowing from Tonle Sap – thebiggest lake in Cambodia linked closely to the Mekong River – is lower than inprevious years.
The institute’s forecast says the amount of water coming to the delta throughCambodia’s Kratie irrigation system would remain at a high level, with theaverage discharge rate sitting at 4,000-5,000cu.m per second this month.
The rate will likely drop to 4,000-3,000cu.m per second next month.
The change is dependant on the operation of upstream hydropower plants.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, thetemperature of the region will be 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius higher than theprevious year and rainfall will be roughly the same as in 2018.
While the upper part of the Mekong Delta region is benefiting from an abundanceof water at the moment, other parts of the delta are at risk of shortages.
Water levels in the middle part of the delta remain favourable for cultivation,but farmers must take precautions to prevent abnormal saltwater intrusion,which would damage crops.
The coastal area of the delta is at risk of suffering from a shortage of freshwater, and salt intrusion may be worse than in 2017 dry season.
By the end of this month, saltwater will have intruded into an area within30-40km of the mouth of the Mekong River, with the salinity rate exceeding 4gper litre.
In February, saltwater will reach 40–50km from the river mouth, especiallyduring high tides coupled with northeasterly winds. The salinity may suddenlyincrease higher than forecasted levels.
In March, April and May, the saline intrusion in estuaries is likely todecrease and areas more than 50km inland will enjoy abundant freshwater.
The saline intrusion will occur at high tide, the institute said. -VNS/VNA
VNA
