Flood warning issued for Mekong Delta amid rising water levels in Laos, Thailand

By Ngoc Tai   September 15, 2024 | 10:47 pm PT
Flood warning issued for Mekong Delta amid rising water levels in Laos, Thailand
A flooded paddy field in An Giang Province in the Mekong Delta, September 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Thanh
Rising water levels in upstream sections of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand, triggered by typhoon Yagi, are expected to pose flood risks in certain Mekong Delta regions this week.

The typhoon has caused heavy downpours in the upper Mekong River sections in Laos and northern Thailand, leading to flooding in these areas, according to Vietnam's Southern Institute for Water Resources Planning. On Sept. 12, water levels in Luang Prabang, Laos, and Chiang Khan, Thailand, exceeded flood warning thresholds, raising concerns about potential downstream impacts.

As floodwaters continue to surge downstream, Cambodia is likely to experience worsening flood conditions, according to the institute.

In Vietnam, water levels in An Giang Province in the Mekong Delta are currently low, despite it being the annual flood season in the area. However, the delta is expected to see downpours of up to 60 mm each next week, along with high tides peaking between Sept. 19 and 21.

The institute has issued flood warnings for low-lying and coastal areas, including Can Tho, Vinh Long, Hau Giang, Dong Thap, An Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau from Sept. 18 to 22. Local authorities are advised to inspect dams and dykes and prepare response measures.

The aftermath of typhoon Yagi has resulted in 292 deaths and 38 people still missing in northern Vietnam. Over 73,000 homes have been flooded.

 
 
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