Severe drought, unpredictable developments in the Central Highlands

The heat is intense and the water source is almost exhausted

Over the past few days, the Central Highlands provinces have continuously experienced severe heat. In many places such as Ayun Pa (Gia Lai), Cu Jut (Dak Nong), Ea Sup (Dak Lak)… it is considered a fire pan because of the heat up to 40℃.

In a coffee field of more than 10 hectares, Mr. Bui Chinh, in Ia Nan commune, Duc Co district (Gia Lai) was worried when the leaves of the crop began to turn yellow and dry due to lack of water. According to Mr. Chinh, the stream about 500m from the field is dry and has a bare bottom.

“Hidden deep under the thick layer of mud, if we work hard to dredge, there is still a little water remaining. “If there’s still water, I’ll try my best to minimize the damage to my family” – Mr. Chinh hoped.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Luan, in Dak Lao commune, Dak Mil district (Dak Nong), this is the heaviest drought year in the past decades. The weather is getting hotter and hotter, causing water sources here to almost dry up.

Focus on fighting drought and supporting people

Up to now, the entire Gia Lai province has 275.8 hectares of drought-affected crops, with an estimated damage value of about 7.26 billion VND. Regarding drought prevention, Mr. Vu Ngoc An – Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Gia Lai province – said that in the immediate future, units must guide people to proactively and flexibly store fresh water and use water economically. , effectively and thoroughly prevent loss and waste of water resources.

Drought-afflicted districts identify areas at risk of water shortages to ensure water supply for people and prevent people from lacking water for daily use. In case of necessity, forces and means of transporting water must be mobilized to supply to the people.

Statistics from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Lak province show that in the dry season of 2024, the total crop area needing irrigation is about 433,579 hectares. However, currently in Dak Lak province, there are 44 locations that have run out of water. In addition, there are 139 lakes whose current capacity is less than 50% and 135 lakes whose current capacity is from 50% to less than 70%.

According to the leader of Dak Lak Provincial Irrigation Department, in the immediate future, at some points in Krong Bong district, the authorities have set up two field pumping stations at Krong Mar stream and Krong Ana River to serve drought prevention for farmers. more than 100 hectares in this area. Krong Bong district also coordinated with the Provincial Irrigation Works Management Company Limited to supply drought-proof water to fields of Binh An, Cau Ri, Dong Tam (Hoa Tan commune)… with a very large area.

In Krong Buk district (Dak Lak), faced with the situation of some irrigation works running out of water, the authorities immediately supported and helped people dig small wells in the lake bed to take advantage of the water source for work. drought resistant.

In Dak Nong province, in the near future, if the weather is not favorable, it will affect an area of ​​over 28,000 hectares of all kinds of crops.

Regarding the issue of drought prevention, at the meeting on April 22, Vice Chairman of Dak Nong Provincial People’s Committee Le Trong Yen requested to focus on long-term solutions in drought prevention such as dredging, repairing and upgrading. projects, using reserve budget to support people in dredging and building small ponds and lakes.