Vietnam Deputy PM Orders Measures Against Water Shortage Risk from El Niño

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has instructed a review of water reservoir levels at hydropower plants and the rationalization of energy source utilization plans to prepare for potential water shortages. This directive aims to address anticipated supply deficits in late 2026 and early 2027, attributed to the influence of El Niño. According to government announcements, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, based on reports regarding El Niño's impact on water scarcity, has urged all ministries, sectors, and local authorities to monitor and update weather and disaster situations and implement response measures proactively. The ministry will enhance meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning systems, particularly by reinforcing specialized forecast information to aid in the operation of reservoirs in areas predicted to face high risks of drought and water shortages. Furthermore, the ministry will collaborate with relevant ministries and local authorities to urgently develop and publicize water resource allocation plans for river basins, especially in the Central, Central Highlands, and Southern regions. Close monitoring of El Niño's impact, meteorological and hydrological conditions, and water resources will inform updated reservoir operation plans, prioritizing early water storage in areas identified as high-risk for drought and water scarcity. To mitigate flood risks, early reservoir operation will be implemented upon forecasts or warnings of heavy rainfall, ensuring flood safety objectives are met and sufficient water is stored by the end of the flood season to meet domestic and agricultural needs. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will also guide local authorities in adjusting crop structures and sowing schedules, particularly in regions predicted to face drought and water shortages. The Ministry of Construction is tasked with developing and implementing safe water supply plans for facilities, considering scenarios for areas without reservoirs and those dependent on upstream reservoirs, including the worst-case El Niño impact. Efforts will also focus on strengthening water supply infrastructure connectivity, reducing water loss rates, and preparing contingency plans for water storage and supply to major urban areas like the Red River Delta, Southeast, and Southern regions. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will formulate plans for rational energy source utilization to counter potential water shortages at hydropower plants in late 2026 and early 2027. Provincial and city People's Committee Chairpersons will be directed to guide and encourage residents in areas predicted to have insufficient water resources, especially outside irrigation system coverage, to shift crop structures, adjust sowing schedules, and reduce cultivated areas. The traditional "specialty" of the Mekong Delta's annual flood season is facing concerns due to the anticipated severity of El Niño in 2026-2027, causing anxiety among residents. Source: The Saigon Times