Over recent days, Da Nang has been experiencing a scorching heatwave due to the influence of the developing southern low pressure trough associated with associated with a strong foehn wind in the southwest region. Daytime temperatures range from 36 to 39°C.

Parents with their children waiting for medical examinations at the Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital

General Director of the Da Nang Water Supply Company (DAWACO) Ho Huong said that recent days have seen a slight decrease in the salinity of the Cau Do (Red Bridge) River due to heavy rain in the evening. However, the salinity levels of the river have still been between 200mg/l and 300mg/l.

“DAWACO is now asking hydropower plants upstream of the Vu Gia River in Quang Nam Province to discharge water in accordance with the operating procedures of water reservoirs in order to push the salinity out of the water. In addition, the An Trach Pumping Station is now operating at full capacity to provide tap water for the Red Bridge and International Airport water supply plants. The purpose is to ensure sufficient water for residents’ daily lives, agriculture and industrial production in the city”, Mr Huong added.

Since mid-June, many rice paddy fields in Hoa Vang District are facing a risk of water shortages, especially 3ha of the Truoc Cat paddy field in the district’s Hoa Chau Commune, due to prolonged heatwave.

Fortunately, the city saw heavy rain from 24 - 26 June. This resulted in an increase of the water level in the An Trach Dam to between 2.2m and 2.3m, facilitating the smooth operation of pumping stations.

The remaining water levels in Dong Nghe and Hoa Trung lakes might ensure sufficient water supplies for agricultural production from now until the end of this year’s summer-autumn crop.

Most notably, the water level of hydropower plants upstream of the Vu Gia River is now falling. The water level in Quang Nam Province’s Song Bung 4 hydropower plant is above the dead water level of only 3.8m.

If the water level in the An Trach Dam continues falling, there will not be enough water to ensure the smooth operation of the An Trach Pumping Station. This will cause severe shortage of tap water and an increase in the salinity of the Red Bridge Rive during dry season.

Moreover, due to the heat wave over recent days, many hospitals in Da Nang have faced patient overload, especially elderly and child patients.

In particular, the C Hospital has seen a growing number of elderly patients who are more susceptible to heat and digestion-related diseases.

Meanwhile, there has been a significant increase in the number of child patients in the Paediatric and Maternity Hospital.

Dr Le Van Dung, Head of the hospital’s Emergency Department, noted children are at a higher risk of becoming ill than adults during hot weather. They face a high risk of respiratory and digestion illnesses.

He warned that under extreme heat conditions, children are vulnerable to dehydration and a weakened immune system.  He advised that the best way to prevent heat-related disorders is to drink enough water and avoid exposure to the sun.

Mr Dung advised local people to cook food well, drink boiled water, and use food with clear origins in order to avoid gastrointestinal diseases,.

“If children show symptoms of rhinitis, a sore throat or a runny nose, they should be taken to hospital as soon as possible to avoid possible complications”, he underlined.