The event was jointly organised by the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and the Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre. Drought and salinisation were among the main concerns at the event. Experts agreed that the situation will not show any positive changes in the coming time, and would more likely even worsen in the hot-peak season from April to June.
According to forecasts, average temperatures this year have been higher than previous years by an average 1.5-20C. Drought has been even more devastating due to the already existing 20 to 40% shortage of rainfall this year. The central region, south and Central Highlands are all predicted to face severe drought, with some an 80% shortage in rainfall./.
