The Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting has issued a warning: Da Nang will face significant risk of severe drought, salinity intrusion and water shortages during this year’s dry season due to the impact of the prolonged hot and dry spell over recent weeks.  

The Hoa Trung Water Supply Plant is operating at full capacity to ensure sufficient supplies of water to the whole city

The regional forecasters say that heatwave is expected to linger over the city until late August, and possibly until early September.

Forecasters also say that Da Nang has been experiencing very hot weather during the first half of the year with an average temperature of 1-2 degrees Celsius higher than the same period in previous years.

Since April, the city’s residents have suffered from fierce hot spells with temperatures hitting between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius. In addition, warnings about the risk of forest fires at alarming level 5 - the highest level in the city have been issued by the Da Nang Forest Protection Department.

It is expected that, in June, the water level of the Vu Gia River will be 0.57 m lower than its normal level.

Meanwhile, some downstream areas of the city’s rivers will be affected by diurnal tides on 8, 15 and from 20 - 25 June, whilst high tides are likely to occur on 23 and 24 June.

The salinity level of the Cau Do (Red Bridge) River is forecast to increase dramatically, and even reach between 2,000mg/l and 4,000mg/l, much higher than the allowed limits.

Besides, average level of rainfall in the city between 5 and August could be lower than the same period in previous years.

As a result, there is increased risk of water shortages in the city in days to come.

Deputy Director of the city’s Irrigation Exploitation and Management Company Le Van Sam remarked that the city will take measures to ensure the delivery of adequate water for homes and businesses across Da Nang.

Mr Ho Huong, General Director of the Da Nang Water Supply Company (DAWACO), said thanks to the operation of the temporary anti-saline intrusion dam built on a section of the Cam Le River, the salinity levels at the Cau Do Water Supply Plant has been reduced significantly.

He added that DAWACO has operated the An Trach Pumping Station with full of capacity to ensure the delivery of secure water supplies for the whole city.

DAWACO also highlighted the importance of completing the construction of anti-saline intrusion dam on a section of the Cam Le River before 15 June in order to ensure the delivery of adequate water for local residents.      

By HOANG HIEP - Translated by MAI DUNG