Mekong Delta faces two September high tides, with low-lying areas at risk of flooding

The Mekong Delta will face two high-tide periods in September, and the second, expected during the final three days of the month, is forecast to be the highest.

The Southern Institute for Water Resources Planning said September peak tides across the delta would exceed the 1996-2025 average by about 0.06 meters. Stations along the East Sea coast are expected to be 0.04 meters above average, while stations on the western coast could be as much as 0.11 meters higher.

The first high-tide period is expected in the second week of September. During the late-month peak, tides could reach 2.05 meters at Tran De and 2.19 meters at Ganh Hao.

At Tan Chau in An Giang province, the highest water level is forecast at 3.40 to 3.60 meters, between 0.06 and 0.26 meters higher than in 2025. At Chau Doc, also in An Giang, levels are expected to reach 3.10 to 3.30 meters.

Upstream flooding is not expected to be especially high, and dike systems protecting the autumn-winter crop are considered safe. However, heavy rain combined with high tides and upstream water could still cause localized flooding in low-lying areas.

The institute advised authorities in low-lying locations to closely monitor rainfall forecasts and tidal conditions. Areas highlighted include district and city centers in the former Ca Mau province, low-lying inland residential and production areas in the Bac Ca Mau water-management subregion, and the Cai Lon-Cai Be and Quan Lo-Phung Hiep irrigation systems in An Giang, Ca Mau and Can Tho.