The Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) corporation has stepped up efforts and preparations to cope with droughts and water shortages caused by the El Nino phenomenon to ensure a stable supply of electricity nationwide.

According to the EVN, water volumes in reservoirs in the North and Central regions of the country have been much lower than normal since August, especially water levels in reservoirs in the Central Highlands, which have dropped to record lows.

The National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to reserve water and to collaborate with the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development to properly manage and ensure water supply for daily needs and agricultural production.

The committees also asked the two ministries and relevant agencies to place priority on providing water for irrigation stations, especially during drought periods.

To address the problem of water shortage, the EVN said it would manage water usage in a proper manner to ensure adequate water supply for low-lands and to reserve water.

The EVN aims to ensure adequate coal supply for Duyen Hai 1 and Vinh Tan 2 thermal-power plants, which provide electricity for the South. In addition, it will accelerate the construction of other power plants in Binh Thuan, Tra Vinh and Thai Binh.

(Source: VNA)