A shop is submerged in rising tides in HCM City. Illustrative photo
The Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Centre said water levels across most stations along the Saigon River continue to rise with the tidal cycle and are expected to peak in the next one to two days.
The peak is forecast to be similar to, or higher than, the high tides recorded in early September (lunar calendar), occurring on November 6-7.
At Phu An Station on the Saigon River and Nha Be Station on the Dong Dien Canal, water levels are expected to reach 1.72-1.78 m. The peak tide will occur between 4 am-6 am and 5 pm-7 pm daily.
These high levels are likely to inundate low-lying areas.
Notably, under the influence of Typhoon Kalmaegi, HCM City is expected to see rain concentrated in late afternoon and evening over the next one to two days, with showers potentially exceeding 50 mm. Heavy rain combined with strong tides could lead to severe flooding in some areas.
After peaking, water levels will fall quickly but remain high through November 10.
Le Dinh Quyet, head of forecasting at the Southern Hydro-Meteorological Centre, said tidal levels across the southeast region in November and December may rise significantly due to the northeast monsoon combined with sea-level rise, particularly in coastal provinces from Ba Ria-Vung Tau to Ca Mau.
From November through year-end, the region could experience five to six periods of unusually high tides, affecting daily life and production in low-lying areas along rivers and the coast, he said.
Meteorological authorities have advised residents to closely follow weather updates, especially when high tides coincide with strong northeast winds in the final two months of the year.
