Government helps Mekong Delta provinces cope with floods Nation braces for latest typhoon Localities gearing up to cope with storm Bracing for storm Since 2000, provinces in the Mekong Delta have suffered from many floods, with Dong Thap Muoi (The Plain of Reeds) and Tu Giac Long Xuyen (Long Xuyen Quadrangle being the hardest hit. This year they have experienced alarming flood levels that surpassed the highest ever recorded (about 0.5 metres above the third warning level). Thousands of hectares of crops have been damaged while hundreds of houses have been swept away. Local authorities, the armed forces and rescue teams joined hands to evacuate local victims to safe areas. The Mekong Delta is one of the world's regions most vulnerable to climate change. Third 11 th Party Central Committee conference convenes The five day conference aimed to set overall objectives and several key targets for the national economy, to enable the National Assembly to make decisions on … [Read more...] about Mekong Delta provinces cope with floods
Mekong delta
Mekong Delta: Flood kills 21 kids
The prolonged flood in the Mekong Delta has killed at least 24 people, including 21 children, and caused damages worth at least VND950 billion ($45.2 million). According to the National Steering Board for Flood and Storm Control, this is the largest flood in the Mekong Delta in the last ten years, that hit eight provinces, including An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Long An, Vinh Long, Hau Giang, Kien Giang and Tien Giang. By October 9, at least 24 people died and 6 were injured in floods. The flood also damaged 1,500 houses and harmed tens of thousands of other houses and schools. More than 230,000 students had to off school. Agriculture, transport, seafood and irrigation facilities were heavily damaged. The total loss is estimated at at least $45.2 million. The National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecast said that flood in the Mekong Delta still keeps rising. The water level in Dong Thap Muoi and Long Xuyen quadrangular is forecast to reach the third grade of alarm until the end … [Read more...] about Mekong Delta: Flood kills 21 kids
Mekong Delta businesses target sustainable development
The Mekong River Delta Business Forum was held in the southern province of Ca Mau on October 20 with a focus on connectivity, cooperation and sustainable development in the Mekong River Delta region. The event is within the framework of the Mekong Delta Economic Cooperation (MDEC) Forum 2011 which is being held in the province. Addressing the forum, Pham Thanh Tuoi, Chairman of the Ca Mau provincial People's Committee emphasized that promoting cooperation and links among businesses in the Mekong River Delta is an inevitable trend in the international integration process. The Mekong River Delta has a population of 17 million, boasting the country's biggest seafood and rice output, and making up 20 percent of national GDP. At the forum, delegates agreed to implement three major solutions to develop businesses in the Mekong River Delta. Accordingly, a regional business council will be established to devise strategies and an appropriate roadmap for promoting product quality and brands … [Read more...] about Mekong Delta businesses target sustainable development
Scarcity of fish in Mekong Delta’s flood season
People in Vietnam ’s Mekong Delta often say “as dirt-cheap as linh fish” but this statement is wrong now. Late flood sways farmers in Vietnam’s southwestern region This is the flood season in this region but the price for linh fish at markets in Long Xuyen city, An Giang province is up to 180,000 dong (nearly $10) a kilo. Last year, the price for a kilo of linh fish was only several thousands of dong. Why has the fish become expensive? VietNamNet reporters went in mid-October to Con Coc village, which is called the village of linh fish, in An Phu district, An Giang province, to find the answer. Despite it being the flood season Con Coc was abnormally dry . Fishing equipment was placed along the road. Many fishing boats were not used. “In previous years, if you went to our village, you would have to use a boat,” Nguyen Minh Chi, a local official told VietNamNet. “The flood season is also the time to catch linh fish. This year flood … [Read more...] about Scarcity of fish in Mekong Delta’s flood season
Tollgates in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta face fierce opposition from drivers
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport has decided on a series of solutions for two tollgates in the Mekong Delta following continuous objections from commuters. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Nhat convened meetings with authorities of Can Tho City and Soc Trang Province, where the two toll stations are located, to find a suitable solution to end the current situation on Monday. The first tollgate belongs to a BOT (build-operate-transfer) project on the upgrade of a 22 kilometer section of National Highway 1 from Can Tho to Phung Hiep District, Hau Giang Province. At a cost of VND1.83 trillion (US$80.6 million), the project was completed in 2015 and the toll collection began in April 2016. Drivers have been complaining that they are required to pay an unreasonable toll as the rates are charged for the entire 22 kilometer route, while many drivers only need to travel a short distance within the highway section. Meanwhile, the second toll station is part of the BOT project on … [Read more...] about Tollgates in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta face fierce opposition from drivers