Mekong Delta faces severe drought and salinity risks

The Mekong River Delta is facing a severe threat of drought and saltwater intrusion due to a high probability of El Nino returning by the end of 2026. Hydrological forecasts indicate a significant decrease in rainfall and river flow throughout the basin.

Water levels at key stations such as Tan Chau and Chau Doc are expected to remain below historical averages, with flood peaks arriving late and receding quickly. Additionally, water levels at Cambodia's Tonle Sap (Biển Hồ) are declining faster than usual. In response, water resource management authorities have activated three contingency scenarios to protect agricultural production and mitigate salinity intrusion.