Upstream Floodwaters in Mekong Delta Receding Sharply

(DTO) After peaking, floodwaters in the upstream areas of the Mekong Delta (MD) have been receding sharply over the past few days.

According to residents in Thuong Phuoc Commune, Dong Thap Province, floodwaters in the upstream border areas are currently falling at a rapid pace. Mr. Huynh Van Han (residing in Hamlet 2, Thuong Phuoc Commune) stated that compared to the peak period, the water level has dropped by approximately 2 meters. Compared to 2025, this year's flood levels in the area are about 0.5 meters lower.

According to the Southern Institute of Water Resources Planning, the water level at Kratie station (Cambodia) over the past week dropped to a low level, which is currently significantly lower than the many-year average (MYA) and that of 2025. The total flood volume at Kratie since the beginning of the flood season is approximately equal to the same period of the MYA, but roughly 18% smaller than the corresponding period in 2025.

During the past week, upstream Mekong River water levels at Tan Chau and Chau Doc remained low, showing an upward trend until October 11, 2026, before decreasing again in line with the tides. By October 14, water levels at Tan Chau and Chau Doc stations reached 2.62 meters and 2.63 meters, respectively, lower than the same period of both the MYA (1996 - 2025) and 2025, and only higher than the levels recorded in 2019 and 2015.

Over the next 10 days, water levels at monitoring stations in the upper Mekong Delta are projected to decline by an average of four centimeters per day, generally remaining low. Only a few stations are expected to maintain levels above Alert Level II.

The Southern Institute of Water Resources Planning also anticipates that upstream floodwaters will continue to fall, posing little risk to agricultural production in the upper Mekong Delta.

However, high tides and localized heavy rainfall could still affect production and daily life in low-lying areas of the central and coastal parts of the delta from now until the end of the flood season. Therefore, local authorities across the Mekong Delta should closely monitor forecasts from relevant agencies and specialized organizations to develop timely and appropriate response plans.

By T. DAT
Translated by X.QUANG