Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to struggle with rising saline intrusion during Tet

Saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta region will intensify over the next 10 days, with several rivers having salinity levels of four parts per thousand that will extend between 25 and 50 kilometers. 

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting on Monday warned of the expected saline intrusion in the southern region from January 21 to 31, coinciding with the Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet.

Saltwater intrusion in the region is forecast to increase on weekends, with some stations in Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau Provinces showing higher salinity levels versus last year.

It is predicted that saltwater will intrude 40-50 kilometers deeper into the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay Rivers, while the Cua Tieu, Cua Dai, Ham Luong, and Co Chien Rivers will experience intrusion reaching up to 40 kilometers. 

The salinity in the Hau River may encroach 30-37 kilometers, and the Cai Lon River will be impacted by saltwater extending 25-30 kilometers.

The national weather center is advising residents to take advantage of low tides to store fresh water for agricultural and daily use.

Forecasts also anticipate more waves of saltwater intrusion in the Cuu Long, Vam Co, and Cai Lon Rivers in February and March.

The salinity situation in the delta is closely tied to the tides from the upper Mekong River. 

Cities and provinces in the delta are urged to stay vigilant on meteorological conditions and remain proactive in mitigating the impact of saline intrusion.

The Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said that saltwater intrusion had begun to affect water intake for irrigation systems located 30-40 kilometers away from the sea during tide periods.

“During the 2024-25 dry season, salinity is expected to be worse than the average level recorded in previous years, but will not be as severe as the dry seasons of 2023-24, 2015-16, or 2019-20,” said the department.

Localities should remain alert for sudden spikes in salinity during peak tide periods. 

Forecasts also indicated that tidal water levels at Vung Tau Station might rise during the period. The tide will peak between midnight and 3:00 am, and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm each day, measuring up to four meters.

Meanwhile, tides at Rach Gia Station are expected to remain low, with a gradual increase. High tide will reach 0.5 and 0.55 meters between 5:00 am and 7:00 am daily.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment assessed that the water supply to the Mekong Delta during the 2024-25 dry season would meet the needs for daily use, social welfare, economic activities, and environmental protection.

However, water shortages may occur in certain areas, especially in districts and towns in Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Kien Giang, and Ca Mau Provinces.

By Tieu Bac & Chi Tue – Tuoi Tre News – January 21, 2025