Torrential rains in Laos and Thailand over recent days, combined with the opening of spillway gates at upstream hydropower plants, are expected to raise water levels in the Mekong River, leading to earlier-than-forecast flooding in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, according to a local expert.

Prof. Dr. Tran Ba Hoang, head of the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that the water flow from typhoon Yagi could cause flooding in the Mekong Delta between September 21 and 27 -- seven to ten days earlier than the previously predicted dates of October 3 and 7.

The super storm made landfall in northern Vietnam on September 7 and has since left massive destruction in its wake.

Water levels at Tan Chau Station on the Tien River in An Giang Province are expected to reach 3.2-3.4 meters during this period.

Meanwhile, the highest water levels this year at Can Tho Station in Can Tho City and My Thuan Station in Vinh Long Province are predicted to be 2.05-2.15 meters and 1.95-2.05 meters, respectively, with peak levels recorded from October 17 to 21.

Hoang noted that the institute is actively monitoring the water levels in the Mekong Delta to provide timely recommendations in response to the aftermath of typhoon Yagi.

With current irrigation systems in the delta, the region can be divided into upstream, middle, and coastal areas.

In the upstream area, irrigation and electric pump systems can deal with floodwater levels of 4-4.3 meters.

The middle area, with low-lying terrain, may experience floods in the event of heavy rains and high tides, especially in Hau Giang Province; My Tu, Nga Nam, and Thanh Tri Districts in Soc Trang Province; and part of Hong Dan District in Bac Lieu Province.

Meanwhile, most of the coastal areas can respond to high floodwater levels, except for the farmland along large rivers, the sea, and islets which will be hit by high tides.

Hoang said that the Mekong Delta can ensure safety for the autumn-winter rice crop this year. 

Rice for the autumn-winter crop is sown in July, August, and September, and harvested in October, November, and December.

Although the region was forecast to experience moderate floods in 2024, locals should still take precautionary measures, Hoang advised.

Local authorities need to intensify the inspection of dikes, particularly in flood-prone areas, develop comprehensive flood response plans, and stay informed with timely weather forecasts to manage irrigation systems effectively.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!