Risk of flood water from Mekong River flowing into Mekong Delta at the end of October

Water levels in the lower Mekong River are decreasing in the short term, but it is forecast that floodwaters in the upper Mekong River may flow into the Mekong Delta at the end of October.

The upper Tien River in Tan Chau ( An Giang province). Illustration photo: SON TRANG

On the afternoon of October 15, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that the water level in the upper Mekong River and the lower Mekong River is decreasing. Previously, the highest water level recorded on October 14 at Tan Chau station was 3.75m (about 0.25m below alert level 2); at Chau Doc station it was 3.34m (about 0.16m below alert level 2).

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that by October 19, the highest water level at these two stations will continue to decrease to about 3.55m and 3.15m (corresponding to 0.05m to 0.15m above alert level 1).

Meanwhile, according to updated data from the Mekong River Commission's monitoring system on the afternoon of October 15, the water level at Tan Chau and Chau Doc stations temporarily increased slightly, reaching 3.91m and 3.4m respectively (approaching the flood warning level). Hydrological experts said this was a short-term fluctuation phenomenon due to the influence of tides and water regulation from upstream reservoirs.

The hydrological forecasting agency said that the main trend of the Mekong River water level until October 19 is still decreasing. However, in the short term, there may be high tides causing localized water rise, causing flooding in low-lying areas, outside the dykes in the localities: An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho and Vinh Long. People here need to closely monitor warning bulletins, check the dykes and proactively protect orchards and ornamental flowers in preparation for Tet.

Hydrological experts also said that in the last week of October, the Central region of Vietnam may experience very heavy rains that may spread to Central Laos, and the amount of water from the western slopes of Truong Son may supplement the flow to the lower Mekong River. Therefore, localities in the Mekong Delta need to continue to closely monitor the flood situation and operate upstream reservoirs to proactively respond.

ANGEL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nguy-co-nuoc-lu-tu-song-me-cong-do-ve-dbscl-vao-cuoi-thang-10-post818187.html