20% of Saigon area is flooded when the sea level rises by one meter

If the sea level rises by one meter by the end of this century, more than 20% of Ho Chi Minh City is in danger of being submerged in the country, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said.

This scenario is given in the scenario of climate change and sea level rise for Vietnam announced today. This forecast is based on specific data sources, data and climate conditions in Vietnam as of 2012, at a level of detail to the local level.

A tidal wave took place in Ho Chi Minh City last year. (Photo: Huu Cong)

According to the high emission scenario, at the end of the 21st century, the average sea level in Vietnam is about 78-95cm. In Ca Mau area to Kien Giang, sea level can rise up to 105cm.

Calculated by scientists, if the sea level rises by one meter, about 39% of the Mekong Delta area is inundated and 35% of the population is affected.

Particularly in HCMC, over 20% of the area will be flooded and directly affect 7% of the population.

Also according to the scenario that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announced, at the end of the 21st century, the temperature of Vietnam increased by 2-3 degrees Celsius, particularly in Ha Tinh to Quang Tri, the fastest temperature increase.

According to the United Nations, Vietnam is one of the most severely affected countries due to climate change.