Transition of flooding patterns and environmental flow in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam over the last 2 decades

Over the past 2 decades, the Vietnamese Mekong Delta has undergone significant changes
in flooding patterns and environmental flow, driven by climate change and human
activities. This study investigates these transitions, focusing on the impacts of rising
temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extensive dam construction upstream.
Using the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration in combination with Flow Duration
Curves, we quantify the changes in hydrological parameters and assess their ecological
and socio-economic consequences. Our findings reveal a marked increase in low flow
events, a reduction in the duration of high flows, and a shift in seasonal flow timing.
These changes have disrupted the natural flow regime, with significant repercussions for
aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, and local livelihoods. The study emphasizes the urgency
of adopting holistic transboundary water management strategies to mitigate the adverse
consequences of hydrological changes and ensure sustainable development in the region.