Ca Mau prepares for El Nino and water shortages

Ca Mau province is implementing emergency response measures to combat the impacts of El Nino, with a primary focus on securing domestic water supplies. Experts forecast that the 2026 rainy season may end early, between late October and early November, leading to a significant rainfall deficit of over 50% compared to historical averages.

This shortage is expected to reduce surface water levels by 50-70% and drive saltwater intrusion up to 40-60 km inland by late November 2026. Approximately 13,800 households in the province are at risk of water shortages, including over 2,300 households in areas lacking centralized water infrastructure.

In response, the province has developed a level 2 natural disaster risk scenario, anticipating impacts from late November 2026 through April 2027. Authorities are accelerating urgent rural water supply projects in Bien Bach, Khanh Lam, and Khanh An to serve roughly 7,000 households. Key strategies include water storage, adjusting crop schedules, and enhancing forest fire prevention.