This update is issued on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam. It covers the period from 12 to 29 July 2016. The next update will be issued as new information becomes available.
Highlights
Since January 2016, intense drought and saltwater intrusion has severely affected more than 2 million people in 18 provinces. Although drought conditions are over in the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands, it is still on-going in South-Central Viet Nam, until September.
However, impact for affected households hasn’t reduced with farmland continuing to be affected and needs still remaining, mainly on water storage and purification, hygiene promotion, nutritional support and livelihood recovery.
With crops currently being re-planted and harvesting only expected by October-November, farmers now experience a lean period with no significant income being generated.
To date, 34% of the Emergency Response Plan appeal of US$48.5 million has been mobilized from various donors.
Funding gaps remain for food security livelihoods, with only 12% of required funds mobilized so far.
The following immediate recovery needs have been prioritized by the Government: water supplies for vulnerable groups, school and health facilities; and provision of rice and other food, seeds and loans for livelihood recovery. provinces affected
659,245ha of crops damaged or lost
0.35% GDP estimated total economic loss
34% of emergency appeal covered
Source for damage and loss data: Central Committee of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control
Situation Overview
While drought hydro-meteorological conditions have officially been declared over by MARD in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands since the end of June, drought and water shortages are still continuing until September in South-Central Vietnam (Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan and Khanh Hoa).
Rains remain irregular, particularly in the Central Highlands with river water levels at 35 to 65% compared to the same time last year.
River water levels in the Mekong Delta are also gradually increasing, particularly upstream as part the annual slow-onset flooding, but are still 0.2 to 0.5m lower than the same levels last year.
The Government’s La Nina forecast is still at 75% likelihood, with the Government’s National Centre for HydroMeteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) planning to issue an updated forecast on 18 August.
With most crops currently being re-planted (perennial, rice and others) and harvesting only expected by end of October or November, the majority of farmers are currently experiencing a lean period with no significant income being generated.