Delegation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment visits and works at the Mekong River Commission's Regional Flood and Drought Management Center

At the meeting, the Mekong River Commission Secretariat reported on the operation of the Flood and Drought Management Center; the implementation of the Mekong River monitoring network on hydrometeorology, sediment, water resources and environment monitoring; forecasting and warning of floods, flash floods and droughts; implementation of the Mekong River water use procedures including: Procedures for exchanging and sharing information and data; Procedures for maintaining flow on the mainstream; Procedures for monitoring water use. In the face of recent unusual weather developments, the Flood and Drought Management Center continues to improve the quality of disaster forecasting and warning services to provide timely information to riparian countries. 

The Flood and Drought Management Center also needs to strengthen cooperation with technical management agencies of the two upstream countries, China and Myanmar, in sharing meteorological and hydrological data and information on hydropower projects on the Lancang River.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Minh Ngan highly appreciated the tasks of the Center and requested the Flood and Drought Management Center to continue to improve its forecasting and early warning capacity, especially medium and long-term forecasting tools, flash flood forecasting and warning, providing timely information to member countries as well as to the community in flood and drought situations; research and apply new technologies in resource management and disaster response; use modern equipment in hydrological monitoring, providing real-time data; develop digital platforms and mobile applications to provide real-time information and early warning to riverside communities. In the coming time, the Flood and Drought Management Center will continue to assist countries in ensuring water security, limiting the impact of climate change and moving towards sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin.