Why is it in the news?
- Southern Vietnam, including the agriculturally vital “rice bowl” Mekong Delta region, experienced an exceptionally prolonged heatwave during February 2024.
Mekong Delta Region
· The Mekong Delta, located in Southern Vietnam, is one of the largest and most fertile deltas in Asia and the world. · Covering approximately four million hectares, it sustains a population of around 18 million people who rely on it for agriculture and aquaculture. · Despite its agricultural richness, the Mekong Delta is considered one of the world’s five most vulnerable deltas. · Threats such as urbanization and construction are pushing the delta beyond its ecological and infrastructural capacity. Mekong River · The Mekong River is a trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia, traversing several countries. · Originating from the Tibetan Plateau in China, it flows through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. · With an estimated length of 4,909 kilometres, the Mekong River ranks as one of the world’s twelfth-longest rivers and the third-longest in Asia. · It boasts a vast drainage area spanning 795,000 square kilometres. · The Mekong River serves as a vital waterway supporting transportation, irrigation, and fishing activities.
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