In particular, floodtides will likely reach their peak level at 5-7 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. on October 26-27, exceeding alert level 3 by 10-15 centimeters or more.

Affected by the upcoming rising floodtides, water levels on the Mekong River and the Saigon River may reach their peaks between October 25 and 27.

The water level on the Tien River measured at Tan Chau station may rise to 2.75 meters, while that on the Hau River may hit 2.65 meters. As for the Saigon River, the water level measured at Phu An station will likely exceed alert level 3 by 0.05-0.15 meter.

Accordingly, heavy flooding and dyke erosion are predicted to hit the above-mentioned areas.

The southern region recorded the highest level of floodtides during the last flooding season, according to weather expert Le Thi Xuan Lan. Normally, the peak of floodtides occurs in September or early October.

High floodtides in HCMC are typically caused by torrential rains. Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta’s floodtides will add to floodwaters flowing from the upper Mekong River.

Flooding may continue until the end of the year. Many experts attributed the heavy flooding to the subsiding soil foundation, aside from rapidly rising floodtides.

In HCMC, in particular, the sinking soil foundation has been worsening due to the exploitation of the groundwater and ongoing urbanization.

The heavy flooding may get worse in the years to come, experts warned, especially in urban areas downstream of the Mekong Delta River if no appropriate solutions are taken urgently. Local households in the area mostly use groundwater for their businesses and daily activities as the river water is too polluted to be used.

SGT