Amid an intensifying drought and saltwater intrusion crisis in the Mekong Delta, FAO in April provided cash support to under pressure families.

This response was part of the project "Increasing Capacities and Scale for Anticipatory Action including through Social Protection Systems” led by the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control in collaboration with FAO. This initiative is also part of the series of events during the "National Clean Water and Environmental Sanitation Week 2024."

Mr. Rémi Nono Womdim, FAO Representative in Viet Nam, said: "This is the first activity in Viet Nam activating early action to respond to drought, demonstrating the landmark commitment of the Government of Viet Nam and FAO to advance the agenda and pioneer the application of this approach in Southeast Asia. Viet Nam's pioneering application of this approach is truly commendable. Working together to minimize the impact of drought in Ca Mau is an important step forward and an inspiring example for other countries not only in the region, but globally. We hope this will boost commitments to this approach in Viet Nam's future."

This regional project covers five countries, including Viet Nam. The project component in Viet Nam has an estimated total budget of USD 1.7 million provided by the European Agency for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Operations (DG ECHO) through FAO.