Mekong Delta Faces Water Shortage Crisis: Experts Sound Alarm

The Mekong Delta region in southern Vietnam is facing a severe water shortage, with upstream Mekong River flows significantly below average. Experts are sounding the alarm about the potential impacts. According to the Vietnam Mekong River Commission, the average daily flow through the Tan Chau station (An Giang province) in the first half of August is projected to fluctuate between 14,500 and 18,000 cubic meters per second. The total flow during this period is estimated to be between 19.5 and 22.4 billion cubic meters, a decrease of 13% to nearly the same level as the multi-year average, and 18% to 29% lower than the same period in 2025. At the Chau Doc station (An Giang province), the total flow is approximately 3.8 to 4.5 billion cubic meters, 5% to 20% lower than the multi-year average and 22% to 34% lower than the same period in 2025. Mr. Ky Quang Vinh, former head of the Climate Change Office of Can Tho City, stated that water from upstream is currently flowing into the Mekong Delta at a low level. He attributes this partly to large water releases from upstream reservoirs for power generation earlier in the year, with reservoirs now tending to store water, thus reducing downstream flow. Furthermore, changes in rainfall patterns are also a factor, with Laos and parts of the upper Mekong basin experiencing lower than normal rainfall, while northern Vietnam has seen continuous heavy rains. Rainfall within the Mekong Delta itself is also lower than in previous years. Vinh argues that this phenomenon should not be solely attributed to El Niño but viewed within the broader context of climate change, which is leading to increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather. Regarding the possibility of major or minor floods this year, he believes it is too early to make a definitive forecast. He noted that rainfall in the upper reaches during September will play a decisive role in the peak flood levels in the Delta in October. If low water levels continue, the Delta could face sediment scarcity and a decline in natural aquatic resources, impacting the livelihoods of residents and increasing the risk of drought in the 2027 dry season. Regarding tidal surges in urban areas like Can Tho and Vinh Long, Vinh stated that there is currently insufficient data to make predictions, and more information will be available by late August or September to assess the trend for this year. Source: The Saigon Times