Can Tho's Resilience Challenge

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, and is the main center of commerce and investment in a region of over 17 million. Rapid urbanization and rising sea levels due to climate change have contributed to an increase in severe river flooding and water-borne disease.  Low elevation and increasing incidences of subsidence due to groundwater extraction also present daunting challenge to the city’s resilience.

Increased industrialization and urbanization have heightened the effects of seasonal flooding, as the city’s economic and social institutions become more dependent on reliable electric supply and standardized transportation. Seasonal floods can last for several weeks, leading to a drop in productivity as workers cannot reach their jobs and students cannot attend school. Can Tho is looking to implement creative medium-term solutions including infrastructure upgrades to safeguard the city’s power, water and transportation infrastructures.