Provinces in the Mekong Delta are taking steps and implementing measures to deal with flooding in the coming months, and minimise loss of human lives and property.

In Dong Thap Province, more than 100 landslide-prone spots along the Tien and Hau Rivers threaten hundreds of households living in the vicinity. So far, 540 households have been moved from danger zones to safer flood-proof residential camps. However, more than 1,200 households are still to be temporarily relocated to safer areas before flooding occurs.

Unfortunately, a few districts like Thanh Binh and Hong Ngu Districts in Dong Thap Province have already run out of funds to safeguard their residents.

To tackle the coming flood season, authorities in the province have asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Finance to provide VND330 billion to build new shelters for residents and support them with necessary commodities during the flooding season.

An Giang Province is spending VND160 billion to reinforce the old dyke system and build new ones; upgrade sluice gates and pumping stations; dredge canals; and stock fuel to pump water from 125,000 hectares under rice cultivation, in case of excessive flooding.

The province has asked the government to provide an additional VND300 billion to build and fortify its dyke systems to protect people’s lives and property.

Huynh Thanh Huu, head of the department of Rural Development in Hau Giang Province, said that the province plans to relocate 179 households from Phung Hiep and Chau Thanh Districts to safer and higher ground before the flood season this year.

There are currently 1,500 households living in danger zones who need to be moved to safer areas, said Huu.

                                                                                                       By dtinews