A farmer visits his rice field, which suffers from drought and salinity intrusion. Saltwater intrusion will worsen in the Mekong Delta region in March, especially from March 11 to 15

According to Phung Tien Dung, head of the Hydrological Forecasting Department for the Central, Central Highlands and Southern region, salinity intrusion will take a heavy toll on agriculture and residents’ daily activities during the period. The salinity levels are expected to be less dangerous at the end of March, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Saltwater is forecast to severely intrude into the Vam Co and Cai Lon rivers until the end of April. After that, the salinity levels will reduce gradually.

Residents in the region are advised to reserve their fresh water from March 1 to 5 and limit the watering of plants to minimize damage to crops by saltwater from March 6 to 15.

Saltwater intrusion with an average salt content of one gram per liter is expected to intrude by 110-130 kilometers into the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay rivers; 65-95 kilometers into the Cua Tieu, Cua Dai and Ham Luong rivers; and 60-65 kilometers into the Co Chien River.

Besides this, saltwater with an average salt content of four grams per liter will stretch 87-110 kilometers into the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay rivers, 55-60 kilometers into the Cua Tieu and Cua Dai rivers and up to 78 kilometers into the Ham Luong River. SGT

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