Vinh Long responds to drought and salinity
Before the forecast of saline intrusion reaching its peak in March 2026, Vinh Long province has planned to implement many drastic response plans, mobilizing all resources to protect production and people's lives.
"Blocking" from the grassroots
Although it is a life course covered with alluvium, the Tien River, Hau River and Co Chien River are gradually becoming "roads" that lead salinity to encroach deep into the Vinh Long inland area. The salinity limit has been introduced since the second half of December 2025, with a salinity of 4‰, likely to encroach 50-60km deep into the inland area and peak in March 2026.
In Cho Lach commune, a key area for saltwater response on the Ham Luong and Co Chien rivers, Mr. Tran Huu Nghi - Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee - said that the locality is preparing for the salinity developments early and unpredictably.
"Currently, the commune has 2 water plants that ensure good service to daily needs. Regarding production, 100% of the dyke system is closed to protect the specialized area for growing fruit trees and ornamental flowers. The commune has also assigned members of the Civil Defense Command to closely manage each area, instructing people to dredge garden ditches, prepare nylon bags, and tarpaulins to store fresh water" - Mr. Nghi shared.
Located in the middle of the four sides of the river, Quoi Thien is like a green snail struggling to cope with the challenges of natural disasters.
Mr. Nguyen Van Mong Em - Chairman of the People's Committee of Quoi Thien commune - said that with an area of 46.95km2, the commune identifies irrigation as the key to survival.
"Currently, the commune has completed 5 sluices and is urgently building 4 more sluices to close the infrastructure. Maintain daily salinity measurement in hamlets and immediately notify through the electronic information page and the radio system so that people can proactively close and open sewers".
Mr. Mong Em also talked about the change in people's awareness: "For durian - a "rich-house" tree but extremely sensitive to salinity, people are no longer passive. Many households have proactively dug ponds, covered them with tarpaulins to store fresh water, ensuring irrigation water".
The initiative of the leaders and people of Cho Lach commune, Quoi Thien shows a new mindset: Do not wait until the salinity is low to run, but must prepare while the water is still sweet.
Maintaining water resources, ensuring people's lives
Mr. Luu Nhuan - Director of the Center for Clean Water Rural in Vinh Long province - said that the province has made great strides in infrastructure.
"Currently, the whole province has a tap water system covering over 85.4% of households. Ensure that even in the severe drought and salinity, people still have clean water to use. We have planned to operate water plants according to the tide, dredging ponds containing raw water to increase reserve capacity, ensuring that no household lacks domestic water due to the impact of saline intrusion".
From the perspective of agricultural sector management, according to Mr. Le Quang Rang - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province focuses on repairing vulnerable irrigation works and dredging canals in the fields.
Mr. Rang emphasized: The Department recommends that people change the crop structure, use short-term varieties or varieties that are better resistant to salinity in high-risk areas. At the same time, the application of cost-effective irrigation measures such as frost and drip is being replicated to optimize valuable freshwater sources. Resolutely do not let people plant spontaneous seeds in areas that do not ensure water sources".
Concluding the plans with a strategic view, Mr. Chau Van Hoa - Vice Chairman of Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee - affirmed the high determination of the whole province.
Following the orientation in the Traffic Prevention and Control Plan, Mr. Hoa emphasized: "The province requires sectors and localities to resolutely implement the "4 on-site" motto, proactively improve forecasting capacity and implement solutions to prevent salinity and store fresh water right from the beginning of the dry season. It is necessary to focus on mobilizing all resources to protect the area of high-value fruit trees and absolutely not let people lack water for daily use. This is a key task to stabilize production and people's lives, minimizing damage caused by climate change".
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