Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has just signed Official Dispatch No. 15/CD-TTg on proactively responding to saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta (Mekong Delta) and drought and forest fires in the South Central and Southeast regions.
The telegram clearly states that it is forecast that from now until the end of May 2026, the ENSO phenomenon is likely to gradually shift to a neutral state with a probability of about 80 - 90%, from June - August 2026, the ENSO phenomenon is likely to maintain a neutral state, the probability of transitioning to El Nino tends to gradually increase with a probability of about 35 - 45%, the probability of transitioning to La Nina is very low.
Rainfall and stream flow in the South Central Coast, Southeast Coast and Mekong Delta regions are forecast to be equivalent to the multi-year average, but rainfall and stream flow are low due to entering the peak of the dry season.
Saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta has appeared at a level equivalent to the average of many years, and at some times it has affected water sources serving agricultural production and people's livelihoods.
Assessment from the end of February to May 2026, the flow on the Mekong River to the Mekong Delta continues to gradually decrease; saltwater intrusion at river mouths is at a level equivalent to the multi-year average, the highest intrusions at the Mekong River mouths are concentrated in February and March with a salinity limit of 4g/liter, the highest in a range of 42 - 55 km...
To proactively respond, the Prime Minister requested the Minister of Agriculture and Environment to direct close monitoring of weather and hydrological developments, water sources; organize short-term and long-term forecasts on hydrology, water sources, drought, saltwater intrusion, forest fires, regularly provide information for functional agencies and localities to know, proactively implement prevention and control solutions, absolutely not to let passive or unexpected situations occur.
Direct the implementation of measures to prevent and combat drought, saltwater intrusion, and forest fire prevention in accordance with reality and information. Pay attention to guiding localities to adjust crop seasons, determine appropriate rice planting times, and store water for high-value dry crops, ensuring that drought and saltwater intrusion in the dry season of 2025 - 2026 do not cause damage to agricultural production and affect people's domestic water sources.
Directing subordinate irrigation works operating units to organize the operation of irrigation works to take water, distribute water effectively, and create the best conditions for water sources for localities and people to organize water intake to serve production and people's livelihoods.
The Minister of Industry and Trade directed to ensure electricity for production, business and people's lives, maximize efficiency from hydropower plants in accordance with the water regulation plan to serve production and living. Absolutely do not be passive and lack electricity due to subjective factors.
Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and cities in the South Central Coast, Southeast Coast, and Mekong Delta regions organize to strengthen close monitoring of developments, meteorological and hydrological forecasts, water sources, saltwater intrusion, and forest fire risks to proactively implement specific response measures, suitable for each region according to the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and suitable to the actual situation in the locality.
Note to proactively respond to situations of abnormally high saltwater intrusion, absolutely do not let drought, saltwater intrusion, and forest fires affect production, business, people, medical facilities, educational institutions,... lack of fresh water for daily life.
Proactively use funding sources managed by localities to implement solutions to prevent and combat drought, saltwater intrusion, and forest fires.
