The ongoing drought in northern Vietnam is likely to continue into the next few months until changes in the Pacific Ocean precipitate more rains in the country, an expert predicted.

In a recent interview with Thanh Nien, Doctor Hoang Duc Cuong from the National Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology said that a shortage of rainfall late last year triggered the droughts which would only be offset by La Nina - a major temperature fluctuation in surface waters of the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The phenomenon, expected to affect Vietnam in two months, could also cause floods in the country, he added.

Meanwhile, the national Hydro-Meteorology Forecasting Center predicted Sunday Vietnam’s northern and central regions would be cold with mild rains from Thursday onwards due to a cold front intensifying there.

Source: Thanh Nien News