According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, irrigation lakes in the central region currently have average water levels of 43-70 percent of their capacity, 3-10 percent lower than in 2022 and 2023.
In the northern central region, 481 out of 2,411 lakes have seen their water levels fall below 50 percent of their capacity, including 82 to below dead level. Meanwhile, 103 of 534 lakes in the southern central region have seen their water levels fall below 50 percent of their capacity, including 29 to below dead level.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the central region received rainfall of 50-140mm since the beginning of this year, a fall of between 20-60 percent compared to last year and between 50-70 percent compared to 2022. The two provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan almost saw no rain at all during the period.
The centre said, "Hot weather may become more intense from May to July in the region, and the dry season will continue until August."
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reports showed that the water shortage has badly affected 25,200-35,200 hectares of rice, vegetables, and fruits in the central region. Some 365 hectares of dragon fruits in Binh Thuan Province are dying from droughts.
The ministry has asked local authorities to monitor the weather forecast closely to ensure the proper operation of irrigation activities and minimise losses.
The ministry said, "We may need to switch to other plants or delay the new planting season to suit the weather conditions."
