Ca Mau province is bracing for a strong El Niño that could last from October 2026 to March 2027, with up to a 98 % chance of staying intense. Knowing how this may limit water and affect farms helps readers see climate’s direct impact on daily life.

The provincial administration has drawn up three response scenarios according to how far water with a salinity level of four parts per thousand moves inland. The scenarios cover penetration of less than 25 km, 25‑50 km, or 50‑90 km, with freshwater shortages that can exceed 50 % and a budget that may rise above VND167 billion.

If the worst case occurs, the plan calls for water to be supplied by tanker trucks, barges or temporary supply points. These deliveries will give priority to policy‑beneficiary households, disadvantaged families and other vulnerable groups, ensuring that the most at‑risk people receive water first.

Ca Mau’s agriculture relies on more than 80,000 ha of rice‑shrimp farms, so a shortage of fresh water or saltwater intrusion could damage a large share of the province’s food production. Authorities may consider limiting or temporarily suspending planting if irrigation cannot be guaranteed.

Residents are urged to fill storage containers before the rainy season ends and to use water sparingly, while officials are authorized to act early without waiting for a formal activation of the response plan. The province’s preparations show how households, vulnerable groups and farms could be protected from the coming drought.