Kien Giang (VNA) – More than 2,060ha of rice in Vietnam’s MekongDelta have been damaged due to recent floods, according to the Directorate ofWater Resources under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

In An Giang province, over 1,270ha of rice were destroyed, while KienGiang suffered losses in 316ha, Dong Thap 182ha, and Long An 24ha.

Besides, floods and rising tides have damaged a number of dyke sectionsin regional localities, including Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Can Tho and Soc Trang,affecting production and life of locals.

The Directorate said that flood in Mekong Delta saw abnormalities thisyear, as floods in the early of the season reached its peak more than 10 days beforethe expected time, resulting in many difficulties in the forecasting work.

At present, floods in the Mekong Delta are receding and no longer affectthe production and livelihood of local people. However, the level may riseagain and cause flooding, particularly in Vinh Long and Can Tho city.

Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of KienGiang province Nguyen Van Tam said that Mekong Delta localities have devisedplans to mitigate losses before and during flood season.

The localities have checked and strengthened dyke systems ahead of the summer-autumnand autumn-winter crops. Farmers are advised to harvest their crops early toavoid floods. Meanwhile, local authorities have also stepped up communicationsto enhance flood prevention and response among locals.

Mekong Delta provinces are required to keep a close watch on risingtides in the upcoming month and continue to check the dyke system in high-riskareas.-VNA