TALK FOR WATER

(7 April 2010)The member countries of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and China met at Easter to discuss the dramatic consequences of the drought wave in South East Asia for the Mekong River. The mighty 4.400 km long Mekong River, which originates in the Tibetan heights and flows through the mountainous Yuhan Province, has reached its lowest level for 50 years, making irrigation and navigation in large parts practically impossible.

The southern riparian countries make four upstream hydro-power plants that China has completed in 2008 responsible for the low water level. China refutes these allegations and puts the blame on the exceptionally low precipitations in the region linked to climate change.

Read more

http://rhein.blogactiv.eu/2010/04/07/the-mekong-drought-a-warning-on-the-wall-for-china/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/01/990106075344.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/23/opinion/23iht-edwatkins.2570814.html

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/ANN/2010-04/09/content_9705168.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/02/world/asia/02drought.html