Vietnam suffering most severe drought in 100 years

Date:03-08-2010


High temperatures and dried-up rivers are warning signs that Vietnams current drought is the worst in 100 years, reports TIME magazine. Rivers used for irrigation are at record low levels, with almost no rain having fallen since September. While the government was able to provide enough water to irrigate spring planting through hydroelectric dams, northern reservoirs have fallen to levels too low for further assistance. Nguyen Van Thang, director of the Vinh Phuc province agriculture department, warns that his province could lose up to one-third of its rice crop.

The Mekong River Delta has been most affected, with water levels falling to 20-year lows. Salt from encroaching seawater -- which has washed inland more than 60 km, according to TIME, is damaging crop land and putting the summer-fall crop in danger. The high temperatures have also contributed to increased insect pressure, with thousands of hectares of rice paddies damaged by attacking pests.

While some scientists are predicting rain to fall in the northern part of the country by the end of this month, some regions of Vietnam may not see any relief until August -- too late to salvage some crops.