The combination of below-average rainfall, high temperatures and increased evaporation will put additional pressure on water supplies for production and daily life. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAForecasts of reduced water flows from the Hau River will not only limit the replenishment of the canal network but also make it more difficult to draw water for production in downstream and coastal areas. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAOne of the long-term solutions to adapting to the risk of freshwater shortages is to restructure crops in line with the natural conditions and water availability of each area. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAWater supplies to the Mekong Delta during the 2026–2027 dry season are forecast to be around 15–20% below the multi-year average. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAThe region’s water resources are facing growing challenges due to climate change, extreme weather events and changes in upstream flow patterns. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAIn rice production, instead of keeping fields continuously flooded, farmers proactively regulate water levels according to each growth stage of the crop, helping conserve irrigation water and reduce production costs. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAResponding to the 2026–2027 dry season should go beyond temporary measures and be regarded as part of a long-term strategy to ensure water security across the entire region. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAFreshwater should be regarded as a finite resource that must be allocated rationally among domestic use, agricultural and industrial production, and other essential needs. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNASafeguarding freshwater today means protecting livelihoods and the development prospects of the “Nine-Dragon Delta”. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNAWith a population of approximately 15.8 million, accounting for 15.6% of the country’s total population, any serious decline in freshwater supplies could have far-reaching impacts on the region’s socio-economic life. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNASalinity-control sluices, pumping stations and irrigation systems need to be operated flexibly in response to actual conditions. Photo: Duy Khuong - VNA
Freshwater in Mekong Delta faces challenges from 2027 El Niño
With the 2027 El Niño
posing challenges, the risk of reduced flows from the upper Mekong River,
below-average rainfall and rising temperatures is putting pressure on the
Mekong Delta to secure freshwater supplies for daily life and production. Water
conservation, proactive water storage, improved water regulation and crop
restructuring are considered key solutions to help the “Nine-Dragon Delta”
adapt to the dry season, which is forecast to bring numerous challenges. Photo:
Duy Khuong - VNA
