Binh Thuan announces severe drought

According to the provincial department of agricultural and rural development, Bắc Bình and Tuy Phong districts have been the heaviest hit localities. Water reserves at reservoirs and the local irrigation system stands at only 50% capacity is at only 50% of the design capacity. Due to this shortfall the province has only been able to cultivate some 19,000 hectares, just over half of its rice production areas. Severe drought has pushed local residents to switch from rice to other crops in many areas to reduce losses. In addition, it has caused a drinking water shortage for 40,000 households across the province.