Vietnam’s Mekong Delta braces for 2 high-tide surges this month

The first high-tide period is expected from November 11 to 13, while the second and stronger event is forecast from November 25 to 27.

At coastal monitoring stations, the second episode is forecast to reach 2.45 meters at Tran De Station on November 26.

Water levels are also expected to reach 2.69 meters at Ganh Hao Station, 2.03 meters at Ben Trai Station, 1.89 meters at An Thuan Station and 1.87 meters at Binh Dai Station on November 27.

According to the institute, November's peak tides are projected to be about 0.25 meters higher than the long-term average recorded between 1996 and 2025.

They are also expected to be slightly higher than levels observed during the same period in 2025.

While floodwaters from upstream areas of the Mekong Delta are forecast to remain low and stay below Alert Level 1, water levels in central and coastal parts of the delta are expected to rise considerably during both tidal events.

The second high-tide period is of greatest concern, with water levels forecast to approach or exceed Alert Level 3 by 0.03 to 0.20 meters in some locations.

The institute warned that flooding could occur during both tidal cycles, especially in low-lying urban areas, riverside and coastal communities.

Local authorities were urged to prepare response plans, reinforce vulnerable dikes and embankments, and protect agricultural production areas from potential inundation.