Annual Mekong hydrology, flood and drought report 2019: Drought in the Lower Mekong Basin

This paper reports on the condition of the Basin in 2019, including its hydrology/water flow, flood and drought. The year saw recorded unprecedented flow conditions in the Mekong mainstream and from tributaries. Erratic climatic fluctuations were also found, ranging from extreme dry to extreme wet within short periods of time. The report ends with key recommendations, looking forward.

The report concludes that the year 2019 gives evidence for what is attributable to climate change: high climatic fluctuations within the LMB and a shift towards more extreme events within short periods of time. The departure from long-term observations is in line with predicted effects of climate change. Heat waves in Viet Nam, a slow onset of the rainy season and extreme rainfall intensities impede on water management and challenge time-proven habits.

This is exacerbated by land alteration and land degradation, and the urban drift from rural areas to cities giving rise to uncontrolled growth, and water supply and water quality problems.