Central Viet Nam faces risk of drought and saltwater intrusion

The Department of Hydraulic Works Management and Construction (DWMC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, has issued an official dispatch urging Departments of Agriculture and Environment in provinces and cities across the Central and Southeast regions to strengthen the implementation of measures to prevent and control drought, water shortages, and saltwater intrusion affecting agricultural production.

Warning of water shortages

Previously, the MAE had warned about the impacts of El Niño and issued an early assessment of potential water shortages in 2026, possibly extending into 2027.

According to forecasts for the 2026 summer–autumn crop, in 10 provinces and cities from Thanh Hoa to Khanh Hoa, the total area at risk of drought, water shortages, and saltwater intrusion is estimated to range between 10,700 and 16,400 hectares. Of this, the North Central region (from Thanh Hoa to Hue City) is forecast to account for a larger share, with 6,700–10,200 hectares at risk, particularly concentrated in Nghe An and Thanh Hoa.

In Thanh Hoa, around 2,000–3,000 hectares are forecast to be at risk, with impacts spread across tail-end sections of major canals under the Chu–Ma river system, Bai Thuong system, Muc river system, and Yen My system, as well as pump-irrigated areas along the Ma, Chu, and Buoi rivers. Affected zones range from small upland reservoir-irrigated areas to coastal plains and saltwater intrusion-prone areas such as Hoang Phu, Hoang Giang, Quang Tien, Sam Son, Minh Loc, Hoa Loc, Van Loc, Hai Hoa, Tinh Gia, and Hai Thanh.

In Nghe An, around 2,500–3,500 hectares are projected to face drought and water shortages, mainly concentrated at the tail end of the Do Luong Barrage system and irrigation structures managed by communes or cooperatives.

Quang Tri will also see a relatively large affected area of around 1,500–2,500 hectares, primarily in tail-end irrigation zones of reservoirs and the Nam Thach Han system. Ha Tinh and Hue City are projected to experience lower levels of impact, with affected areas remaining below 1,000 hectares per locality.

In the South Central and Central Highlands regions, the total area at risk of drought and water shortages is estimated at 4,000–6,200 hectares. Da Nang City is identified as a potential "hotspot" for saltwater intrusion. Of the 1,500–2,000 hectares forecast to be at risk, up to 1,500 hectares are projected to be directly affected by saltwater intrusion in the downstream Vu Gia–Thu Bon river basin, impacting key pumping stations such as Tu Cau and Cam Sa.

Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces are likely to experience drought and water shortages mainly in small reservoirs and mountainous communes. Meanwhile, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ngai are expected to face more localized impacts, primarily at specific reservoirs such as Ba Rau and Bau Ngu (Khanh Hoa) and the Thach Nham dam (Quang Ngai).

Consider adjusting cropping calendars or crop structure

In response to heat risks affecting the summer–autumn crop, the DWMC has urged Departments of Agriculture and Environment in provinces and cities in the Central region to urgently review and identify winter–spring 2025–2026 crop areas already facing or at risk of drought and saltwater intrusion and to develop plans to prioritize adequate water supply to minimize damage. Particular attention should be given to implementing targeted solutions in areas outside the service coverage of the irrigation infrastructure.

Ahead of the 2026 summer–autumn and seasonal crops, localities are advised to proceed with sowing only when water supply is sufficient for the entire crop and to avoid production beyond the supply capacity of irrigation systems. Areas with water shortages should consider adjusting or delaying cropping calendars or switching crop structures.

In cultivation, the adoption of advanced, water-saving irrigation technologies should be promoted for both rice and upland crop farming. In cases of severe water shortages, priority must be given to domestic water supply, followed by irrigation for high-value upland crops and other essential needs.

The DWMC also recommends that local authorities urgently dredge water intakes and canal systems, dig ponds and wells, construct temporary dykes for saltwater intrusion prevention, and install mobile pumping stations to prevent and mitigate drought and water shortages during the 2026–2027 dry season.