River dried up, showing its bed. (Photo taken on April 12)
As the dry season approaches, the upper part of the Red River which runs through Lao Cai City has nearly completely dried up exposing its virtually bare river bed.
Engineer Luu Minh Hai, deputy head of the Lao Cai Province Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Centre said, the water's level and volume among rivers in Lao Cai are significantly dropping, lower from 20 to 65 centimetres in comparison with the year 2009.
The weather in Lao Cai has not been in favour for the production and life of the local people, with the temperature rising by the day and rain nowhere to be found. Many areas in Lao Cai are covered with burning heat. The highest temperature measured was 35 - 37 degrees. Local people are struggling to have enough water for their everyday life and production life.
The water levels in Red River and Chay River have continued to decrease, and many small streams have actually dried up completely.