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    Flood and Drought

    The flooding of the Mekong River is a recurrent event. Every year the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB) experiences flooding, which brings both positive and negative impacts. The annual flood pulse drives the basin’s fisheries, maintains river morphology and deposits sediments to improve soil fertility. The average annual value of flood benefits is approximately US$8-10 billion.

    Whilst the regular flood cycle is seen as a source of livelihood, it has the potential to adversely affect economic and human activities, often endangering the lives and causing damage to important infrastructure, human settlements and essential services. The negative effects of flood regularly counteracts efforts for economic development and poverty reduction in various locations throughout the LMB. The average annual cost of floods in the LMB ranges from US$60-70 million. Cambodia and Viet Nam alone commonly account for approximately two-thirds of the region’s total annual flood damage.

    As climate and weather patterns become more volatile, flood and drought events in the Mekong River Basin have become more frequent and intense with growing potential to cause devastating damage to the region’s food security and economies. Those communities that were unprepared have suffered the most.

    Flood risks can be minimised through various forms of land-use, development and building controls, regional flood emergency planning, and improved preparedness. Flood preparedness requires coordinated management by all concerned parties such as water resource managers, policy-makers, and the private sector to change course from a ‘traditional’ flood management approach towards an approach that coordinates the needs of different stakeholders, including national agencies and affected provinces.

    The MRC plays an important role in basin-wide coordination of flood mitigation activities and encouraging an approach that benefits its Member Countries. During the wet season, for example, the MRC takes data from 138 hydro-meteorological stations to predict the water levels of 22 forecast points on the Mekong mainstream. This information is then disseminated to National Mekong Committees, national forecasting agencies, Civil Society Organisations, the media and the public.

    Unlike flood, drought only brings socio-economic hardship to riparian countries, especially riverine communities. The LMB has been experiencing severe drought hazards with serious economic losses due to damages of agricultural crops, negative impacts on the environment, and effects on people’s livelihoods. Yields of rice and other lifeline crops plummet as a result of water shortages and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta. Annual fish catches decline. Water levels become critically low, making transport of goods and services at some parts of the river difficult and at other points impossible.

    The duration and magnitude of the impacts have significantly increased over the past two decades if comparing the drought hazards from one event to another. In addition, with different climate scenarios, the LMB is likely to see more severe droughts in the next 30, 60, and 90 years due to less precipitation, high air temperature, and high evapotranspiration. The increase of population, from currently around 65 million people relying on the Mekong water to about 100 million people in ten years’ time, also increases water demands from all sectors.

    In response to the threat of flood and drought, efforts have been made by the MRC and its Member Countries to formulate a regional strategy for drought management and mitigation that aims to decrease the vulnerability of people in the basin, especially in agricultural communities. The MRC supports the Member Countries through:

    • Regional strategies such as the Flood Management and Mitigation Strategy that aims to prevent, minimise or mitigate people’ suffering and economic losses due to floods, and the Drought Management Strategy that seeks to help the lower Mekong countries combat the present and future droughts that have both national and transboundary impacts.
    • Technical guidelines that provide flood risk assessment and tools for drought monitoring and forecasting.
    • Studies and assessments on drought impacts and vulnerability as well as water balance between water demand and availability for agricultural crops to better support the development of drought management strategies.
    • Forecasting and early warning that provide daily river flood forecasting for the Mekong and flash flood guidance information for the LMB during the wet season. The systems also provide weekly river flow monitoring during the dry season and weekly and monthly drought forecasting and early warning. This helps government agencies and communities to better prepare for flood and drought events. The MRC shares these daily bulletins by e-mail and on the MRC home page, the flood forecasting website, and drought forecasting and early warning website to National Mekong Committees, Non-Governmental Organisations, the media, and the public.
    • Capacity building which promotes information sharing and first-hand learning experiences. It allows decision-makers to share the lessons they have learnt and support the development of region-specific solutions.

    Flood 

    In the past, the MRC’s flood management activities were limited to the provision of mainstream flood forecasts along the Mekong River. Following the devastation caused by the Flood in 2000, a Flood Management and Mitigation (FMM) Strategy was developed.

    Under the strategy, the MRC expanded its support to the Member Countries by providing facilitation on water and related issues, capacity building, and technology transfer for transboundary flooding issues. It assisted the countries in making appropriate use of reliable flood-related information, land-use potential, structural measures, and effective emergency response. The assistance helped minimise economic losses due to floods while preserving the environmental benefits to contribute to the Basin Vision.

    Building on this Strategy, the Flood Management and Mitigation Programme (FMMP) was developed in 2004 and implemented to 2010. Through the programme, the Regional Flood Mitigation and Management Centre (RFMMC) was established in 2006. The Centre serves as the MRC’s lead entity in delivering flood forecasting services, and in early 2019 was renamed ‘the Regional Flood and Drought Management Centre (RFDMC)’ to reflect an expansion in the range of services it provides. The renaming signified the MRC’s efforts to address both flood and drought issues in an integrated manner and to provide faster and accurate forecasting and early warning information throughout the year. 

    Based in Phnom Penh, the RFDMC services fall under four components:

    1. River monitoring
    2. River flood forecasting
    3. Flash flood guidance
    4. Drought forecasting and early warning 

    During the flood season, the RFDMC provides daily forecasting by taking data from 138 hydro-meteorological stations to predict the water levels at 22 forecast points on the Mekong mainstream. This information is then disseminated to National Mekong Committees, national forecasting agencies, Civil Society Organizations, the media, and the public. In critical weather conditions, the Centre provides daily flash flood alert and warning. Flash floods can happen along the major tributaries and creeks near the Mekong when heavy rainfall occurs, and the river starts to back up. The accuracy of predictions decreases with each day away from the recorded level. In the dry season, a weekly flow monitoring is provided and weekly and monthly drought forecasting analysis are prepared and disseminated based on three-month seasonal climate perdition. 

    In addition, five sets of Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) were developed to address various aspects of flood risk management at the national level. Flood preparedness and emergency management in the Member Countries has been strengthened through targeted capacity building at national, provincial, district, and commune levels. More importantly, annually updated flood preparedness plans have been embedded in provincial and district administrative systems, and the development and use of flood probability information has been demonstrated for better land management.

    Building on these successes, the FMMP 2011-2015 was developed to facilitate the operation of the RFMMC and support flood management activities in the Member Countries, which is an integral part of the 2011-2015 MRC Strategic Plan (SP). The programme provided up-to-date flood risk management and mitigation practices enabling the Member Countries to reduce the negative impact of floods. 

    The MRC is finalising the Flood Management and Mitigation Initial Studies aimed at formulating strategic directions to better manage existing, future, and residual flood risks in selected areas of the LMB. The studies will provide input for the development of the FMM Strategy 2021-2030. 

    Drought 

    The MRC’s focus on drought management originated with the drought events of 2004-2005 and 2009-2010, when unusually low flows in the Mekong River Basin and seasonal deficiencies in regional rainfall led to severe agricultural losses in north-eastern Thailand and Cambodia, and critical levels of saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta. The MRC set the establishment of the Drought Management Programme (DMP) 2011-2015 as a priority in the MRC SP 2006-2010.

    The programme helped riparian countries prepare their communities for unpredictable events. This included developing a greater understanding of the region’s drought conditions, and analysis of drought risk and vulnerability for regional drought management and mitigation policy.

    Together with the application of drought monitoring and forecasting tools that allow for early detection, drought information helps the Member Countries to identify and understand the key patterns and causes of drought. It also contributes to improve their long-term agriculture plans as well as their preparedness for proactive and emergency responses to drought events.

    Under the MRC SP 2016-2020, the MRC has taken collaborative action to address drought issues that affect agricultural output, water quantity and quality, and land use. The Drought Management Strategy (DMS) for 2020-2025, which has been long anticipated, was released in December 2019 to build the capacity of the Member Countries to combat drought hazards and assist in drought forecasting and early warning for drought preparedness and water resources planning. The strategy will also help develop regional guidelines on drought adaptation to address both national and transboundary impacts.

    The Basin Development Strategy (BDS) 2021-2030 and MRC SP 2021-2025, the MRC continues to assist the Member Countries in addressing water security – mitigating the impacts of too much water at certain times of year, while not having enough at other times – by promoting coordinated floodwater management and the creation of additional storage in wetlands and behind dams to build climate resilience and manage flood and drought risks. The Strategy will help basin communities better prepared against changing river conditions and more frequent and severe floods and droughts, and promote coordinated water infrastructure operations for better disaster management and adaptation to water resources development and climate risks.

    While the RFDMC continues to provide timely and accurate flood forecasting, the MRC has also carried out a number of studies and assessments on drought impacts to better support the development of drought management strategies. Recent studies are highlighted below. 

    • Current and future scenarios on land and water resources for drought adaptation measures: Conducted in 2017-2018, the study determines the availability for crops and water deficit per catchment in the LMB for both dry and wet seasons to support the development of the Drought Management Strategy 2020-2025. Current and future scenarios on land and water resources for drought adaptation measures: Conducted in 2017-2018, the study determines the availability for crops and water deficit per catchment in the LMB for both dry and wet seasons to support the development of the Drought Management Strategy 2020-2025. 
    • National assessment on drought impacts and vulnerability: Conducted in 2013 and 2017, the assessment investigates types of drought impacts and magnitude occurring in each Member Country and identifies the root causes of those impacts to understand the core problems of drought. The assessment supports the development of the Drought Management Strategy 2020-2025 and adaptation guidelines. 
    • National capacity needs assessment on drought management: Conducted from 2015-2017, the assessment identifies the needs for capacity building on drought management among national and provincial line agencies, including departments of water resources, agriculture, irrigation, disaster management and environment. The results were used as input for the development of national capacity development plans.
    • Assessment on drought monitoring and forecasting system: Conducted from 2015-2016, the assessment studies the existing drought monitoring, forecasting and early warning systems. Results of the assessment were used to develop the Regional Drought Monitoring, Reporting and Forecasting System for the LMB. 
    • An initial drought risk and vulnerability assessment of the LMB: Conducted in 2013, the assessment guides the prioritisation of resources and identifies areas at risk, requiring further studies and mitigation efforts. This report details an initial attempt to create a basin-wide drought risk model.

    In collaboration with the Member Countries, the MRC has produced a series of tools and guidelines on flood and drought management and mitigation that can be adapted to each Member Country and project context. The guidelines include the following:

    • Best Practice Guidelines for Integrated Flood Risk Management in Basin Development Planning : These guidelines​ were developed in 2009 to guide the process of impact (on flood risk) assessment for each water related development sector. It ensures that the basin development planning process identifies and addresses flood-related impacts and opportunities for potential development scenarios in a way that is technically, socially, environmentally, and financially responsible and effective.
    • Best Practice Guidelines for Structural Measures and Flood Proofing: Developed in 2009, the guidelines are intended to improve planning and design of key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings to ensure that loss of life and damage to such structures are reduced. 
    • Best Practice Guidelines for Flood Risk Assessment: The guidelines combine theory and practice with a specific emphasis on flooding in the LMB. Formulated in 2009, National planners and project designers can use the guidelines to estimate field-level flood benefits and costs for project analysis and national planning.   
    • Tools for drought monitoring and forecasting: The tools support the development of a framework for assessing drought conditions in the LMB. As part of the activity, a drought monitoring and forecasting website was established to support communication on drought events. The tools were jointly created with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre in 2018, with technical support from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
    • Drought adaptation guidelines for drought management and mitigation: The guidelines aim to assist the Member Countries in reducing negative impacts of drought on local communities.

    The MRC has produced a series of knowledge products listed below to facilitate decision making and stimulate innovations for flood and drought management.

    DateTitle
    2019Drought management strategy (DMS) for 2020-2025
    2019Annual Mekong flood report 2019
    2015Seasonal flood situation report 2015
    2015Evaluation report on data collection and data transfer performance for the flood situation 2015
    2014Seasonal flood situation report 2014
    2014Evaluation report on data collection, data transfer and performance of Hydmet for hydro-meteorological data transfer for flood season 2013-2014
    2014Seasonal dry situation report 2014
    2014Evaluation report on data collection and dry season river monitoring in 2013-2014
    2013Evaluation report on flood forecasting performance 2013
    2001Strategy on flood management and mitigation
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    © 2024 Mekong River Commission

    Dr. An Pich Hatda

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Hatda, a Cambodian national, was appointed as the 2nd riparian CEO of the MRCS.   

    Dr. An is an accomplished leader with a great mix of leadership, inspiration, operational experience, technical breadth, and passion for a better Mekong, a track record of achievements having held various high-profile positions with Mekong related bodies over the past 20 years. ”

    Before taking the office as CEO Dr. Hatda served as director of Planning Division at the secretariat, where he led a multi-disciplinary team of different nationalities and expertise to deliver strategic outputs to the MRC’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020. He successfully completed the Prior Consultation process and Joint Action Plan for the Pak Beng hydropower project which gained him of trust from the first riparian CEO for being strategic, structured, results-oriented and neutral team player and leader.

    Prior to that, He worked as Operation Manager with the Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Center and National Specialist with the Basin Development Plan Program. He also served as Deputy Secretary General for 6 years at the Cambodia National Mekong Committee and Alternate JC Member for Cambodia. 

    Dr. Hatda holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Tokyo, Japan, and a Master of Science in Agricultural Planning and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. He obtains a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia. 

    Hatda

    Mr. Pham Tuan Phan

    First Riparian Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat

    “From 2016 to 2019, Mr. Pham, a Vietnamese national and Mekong citizen, was appointed the CEO of the MRCS.  

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, Mr. Pham served as the CEO of a software development company in Vietnam for eight years, during which he expanded the company from a one-person operation to employing over 40 individuals. ”

    Prior to that, he held senior positions at Vietnam’s largest information technology company for three years. Preceding his time in Vietnam, from 2001 to 2004, Mr. Pham worked at the United Nations (UN) Secretariat in New York, USA, within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. During his four-year stint, he conducted numerous missions to UN member states, focusing on economic and social affairs. Notably, he spearheaded the implementation of the Integrated Management Information System service in 2000, which facilitated the deployment of the Enterprise Resource Planning system across the entire UN network worldwide. 

    Before his UN tenure, Mr. Pham led the infrastructure and communications section at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna, Austria, from 1997 to 2000. His efforts led to the establishment of a groundbreaking global communications network, enabling the collection of monitoring data from 321 stations worldwide, including 13 in China. This network, initiated with a US$78-million contract, remains operational to this day. Mr. Pham’s career trajectory began with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) junior professional program in 1984, culminating in his rise to a directorial position at the UN in 2000. Notably, both the IAEA and the UN Secretariat received Nobel Prizes during Mr. Pham’s tenure, with the IAEA being recognized as one of the best-run UN organizations. 

    Educationally, Mr. Pham holds a degree in nuclear instrumentation from Belarus State University, former Soviet Union, earned in 1982. He also completed core courses for a Master of Business Administration from the UK Open University at Milton Keynes in 2000

    Mr. Hans Joakim GUTTMAN

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Hans, a Swedish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    With his expertise as coordinator/manager and rich experience with over 18 years in the field of water resources development and management for sustainable rural development. He is no stranger to the MRC or its vision, having served as the head of the Environment Programme for six years from 2001-2007. His extensive technical expertise and inside knowledge gained from living in the region for almost two decades enabled him to lead the MRC during a period of change and growth within the MRC.”

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Hans held the position of Coordinator for the Wetlands Alliance (WA) Programme at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, where he led the strategic development by securing funding for WA, and guided nearly 50 local government agencies and NGOs. He ensured these agencies received implementation support and contributed to the broader goals of the Alliance. Prior to that, he served as the Head of the Environmental Programme at the MRC Secretariat for six years, from 2001 to 2007. There, he oversaw a US$2 million annual budget for the programme, coordinated with National Mekong Committees (NMCs) and other relevant national agencies, and advised senior management on environmental matters while representing the MRC in these areas. 

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC, he served as a Programme Specialist at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he managed rice field fisheries and other aquatic resource issues in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He raised awareness about the importance of these resources, built capacity to manage them, and developed strategies for sustainable use. 

    Before this, he was a Special Advisor at Tha-Ngone Aquaculture Development (TAD) in Vientiane, Laos. He assisted the manager in running a fish farm with over 30 employees, by planning, training, and managing fish and prawn production. He also helped improve the administrative section’s work. 

    Academically, Mr. Hans holds a Master of Science in Aquaculture from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he was recognized for his thesis specialization in water quality, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology/Geography from James Cook University in North Queensland, Australia. 

    Mr. Jeremy Douglas BIRD

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Jeremy, a British national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Jeremy combines his experience at the strategy and policy level with a solid practical background across multiple facets of water resources, including regulatory processes, conceptual design of water resources infrastructure, river basin management, irrigation, disaster risk management, knowledge generation, development finance, and stakeholder engagement.”

    Mr. Jeremy’s tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat was marked by significant responsibilities and accomplishments, such as developing an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Strategy for the Basin and organizing the First MRC Summit of Prime Ministers in 2010, which raised the profile of the MRC and provided a high level of oversight for its activities. He also developed closer relations with China, formulated the MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative, and represented the MRC at numerous international conferences and meetings. His successful negotiations among member countries resulted in a permanent location for the Secretariat and administrative arrangements for establishing a co-hosted headquarters. Mr. Jeremy’s tenure saw the implementation of institutional and administrative reforms and a new direction for the 5-year strategy for the MRC, focusing on the core functions of river basin management. 

    Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Jeremy worked as an Independent Water Resources Advisor from 2003 to 2008, providing consulting services on water resources management to various organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. 

    Prior to that, he served as a Coordinator and Team Leader for the Dams and Development Project (DDP) at the United Nations Environment Programme, which aimed to promote dialogue for improved decision-making in water resources infrastructure. He coordinated national multi-stakeholder processes to identify priority issues for policy reform in South Africa, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam, involving numerous stakeholders. Moreover, he expanded their stakeholder forum to include over 100 diverse organizations, initiated dialogue with Chinese agencies, and organized international meetings.

    Mr. Kristensen Joern

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Kristensen, a Danish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.   

    Before his tenure at the MRCS, he served as a Senior Programme Manager for the Eastern Europe, South and Eastern Asia, and the Pacific Operations Branch at UNDCP HQ in Vienna, Austria. In this role, he led efforts to secure EU funding, established a partnership between UNDCP and the EU for major drug-law enforcement in Southeastern Europe, and engaged in strategic planning for the elimination of opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar.  Educationally, Mr. Kistensen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from the University of Odense, Denmark, which he obtained in 1972. He also pursued postgraduate courses in Administration and Human Resources Management at the Institute of Public Management in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1984. ”

    Prior to that, he held the role of Country Director for UNDCP in two challenging environments: Vietnam from 1994 to 1997 and Myanmar from 1991 to 1994. In this role, he developed comprehensive drug control policies, facilitated cooperation among UN agencies, and raised significant funds – between US$6,000,000 and $7,000,000 – for key projects. 

    Before this, he was the Regional Director for the Danish Refugee Council in Denmark. He was entrusted with the reception, resettlement, and social integration of refugees (500 to 800 persons at any given time). He managed around 60 staff members and built extensive liaisons and cooperation with various groups. 

    Dr. Olivier Cogels

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 2004 to 2007, Dr. Cogels, a Belgian national, served as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. Dr. Cogels‘ tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat led the organization to substantial progress. He guided the MRC toward becoming an international river basin organization focused on developing its water resources for the economic benefit of the people and countries involved. This approach fostered improved cooperation with China and enhanced the MRC’s influence in the region. Under his leadership, the MRCS developed a more coordinated program structure, formulated an ambitious strategic plan, and introduced the concept of the Mekong Programme to the region – a development program owned by the member countries, which bolstered the MRC’s involvement with other regional initiatives.  ”

    Before assuming the role of CEO at the MRC, Dr. Cogels held the position of Programme Director of the International Program on Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage at the Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome, Italy. 

    Prior to that, he had worked with organizations such as the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNESCO, the World Bank, and the European Space Agency. 

    Educationally, Dr. Cogels holds a Master of Science in Land and Water Engineering and a PhD in Hydrodynamics and Water Resources Management from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, where he also served as a Professor. He also completed a post-doctorate at the University of California, Davis. 

    Mr. Yasunobu Matoba

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

    “From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Yasunobu Matoba, a Japanese national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat. 

    Mr. Yasunobu has an extensive career in agricultural and irrigation with various roles ranging from project planning, implementation, and supervision to personnel administration. He has worked in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. ”

    Prior to his tenure at the MRC Secretariat, he held the position of Director at the Construction Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), where he oversaw various agricultural projects, including those for agricultural production, land and water resource conservation, and the maintenance of water and land use facilities. 

    Before that, he held several key positions, including Director of the Overseas Operations Department at the Japan Agricultural Land Development Agency (JALDA) in 1992-1993, Director of the Planning

    Department at the Hokuriku Regional Agricultural Administration Bureau from 1990 to 1992, and Deputy Director in the Agricultural Administration Department of Kumamoto Prefecture from 1988 to 1990, where he managed land improvement projects. 

    In terms of education, Yasunobu holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in irrigation, drainage, and reclamation engineering, and rural planning from the University of Tokyo, which he obtained in 1967. 

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