Vietnam forecasts higher flood peak in Mekong Delta this year

Water levels across Dong Thap are forecast to rise by 0.1-0.3 meters above both 2024 levels and long-term averages by the end of July.

The increase is expected to continue through August and September.

By late September, flood levels could reach the first flood alert level in upstream areas, level two in the Thap Muoi lowlands, and exceed level three by up to 0.2 meters in southern areas, the station said.

Flow volumes on the Mekong River are rising.

In Cambodia, discharge at Kratie Province is expected to be 15-20 percent higher than both last year and historical averages over the next three months.

In Vietnam, flows at Can Tho and My Thuan could exceed long-term averages by five percent to 10 percent.

The annual flood peak in Dong Thap is forecast for early October.

However, from September to December, overall downstream flow into the delta from the upper Mekong is projected to fall five percent to 10 percent below long-term norms.

Vietnam has a three-tier flood alert system, with level three being the most severe response.