Saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta has intensified in recent days and is expected to remain at high levels for another two to three days before gradually receding, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Since the days leading up to the 2025 Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) holiday, the region has experienced a steady increase in salinity levels.

While most monitoring stations have recorded lower salinity than the peak levels of January 2024, certain areas, particularly in Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Kien Giang, and Ca Mau, have reported higher-than-usual salt concentrations.

Saltwater has intruded 40-55km deeper into the Vam Co Dong, Vam Co Tay, Cua Tieu, Cua Dai, Ham Luong, Co Chien, and Hau rivers, while the Cai Lon River has experienced saltwater intrusion reaching 30-40km upstream.

The Department of Water Resources, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, warned that saltwater intrusion has already begun to disrupt freshwater intake for irrigation systems located 30-40km from the coast. 

Experts predicted that salt levels will remain high in the first days of February before gradually decreasing. 

However, in some locations, particularly in Tra Vinh, salinity levels may surpass those recorded in February 2024.

With freshwater availability becoming increasingly strained, authorities are urging local communities to take advantage of low-tide periods to store water for agricultural and household use.

Phung Tien Dung, head of the Hydrological Forecasting Department under the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said that saltwater intrusion levels in the Mekong Delta this dry season are expected to be higher than the historical average, though they are not projected to reach the extreme levels seen during the droughts of 2015-16 and 2019-20.

The most critical periods for saltwater intrusion could occur between February 10-16 and February 27-March 4 along the Mekong River estuaries, while rivers such as Vam Co and Cai Lon will experience heightened salinity levels in March and April.

Authorities emphasized that saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta will continue to fluctuate based on water flow from the upper Mekong River, tidal patterns, and climate conditions. 

As the situation remains unpredictable, local authorities and communities are urged to stay updated with hydrological forecasts and implement proactive measures to minimize the impact on agriculture, drinking water supplies, and livelihoods.

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