Flooding has long disrupted life in Can Tho City, located in Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta. Residents of areas such as Cai Khe Ward often faced tidal surges from the Can Tho River, resulting in water entering homes and streets rapidly. This recurring problem brought not only water but also debris and health hazards, frequently halting daily activities for hours.
“I could only go grocery shopping or to visit the doctor after the flooding subsided,” said Pham Thi Thuy Yen, a local resident.
The region is among the world’s most vulnerable to sea-level rise due to climate change. The persistent flooding previously caused annual losses estimated at $200 million for the city.
In October 2023, when another high tide was expected to flood Can Tho, new infrastructure prevented water from entering key urban areas for the first time. The change followed completion of the Can Tho Urban Development and Resilience Project. Supported by a $250 million loan from the World Bank and implemented between 2016 and 2024, this project built a comprehensive flood-defense system along major rivers covering about 2,700 hectares of urban core.
Key features included tidal sluice gates, ship locks, upgraded canals, improved river embankments, and elevated roads forming a protective ring around central neighborhoods. In addition to flood defenses, two major bridges—Quang Trung and Tran Hoang Na—were constructed to connect safer southern areas with older parts of the city. These measures aimed both at protecting against floods and encouraging development in less vulnerable zones.
“It’s now easier for people on both sides to get around and do business,” said Vo Hoang Nga, a community leader in Xuan Khanh Ward. “It used to take at least an hour to cross the river, and accidents happened all the time.” He noted that improved access has spurred growth in previously hard-to-reach neighborhoods.
Beyond physical infrastructure improvements, authorities have reported significant reductions in chronic flooding within protected areas during recent rainy seasons. Over 420,000 residents benefited from these changes by remaining dry during periods that would typically see widespread inundation.
“Residents of Can Tho City strongly support the project and are delighted with the results,” said Nguyen Thuc Hien, former vice chair of the municipal People’s Committee.
The project also introduced advanced digital tools funded partly by a $10 million grant from Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. The Flood Risk Management Information System (FRMIS) uses dozens of sensors across known hotspots for real-time monitoring and control through a centralized command center. It can simulate potential floods using historical data combined with weather forecasts.
Additionally, an integrated Spatial Planning Platform was developed to assist with urban planning decisions by combining information from multiple departments. This system is designed not only for disaster response but also for social assistance targeting vulnerable populations during emergencies.
Mariam J. Sherman of the World Bank stated that this initiative showed how financing combined with expertise could enhance resilience: “in a way that makes a difference for many years to come.” She added: “This is a growing city… We hope we can continue to support it in the future.”
Thomas Gass, Swiss ambassador to Viet Nam emphasized: “It’s also the smartness of the system… These systems address not only climate vulnerabilities but also social vulnerabilities…” He pointed out that ongoing maintenance and training are needed so Can Tho can remain resilient under changing conditions: “to make the city climate resilient in the future and allow the people and economy to thrive under adverse conditions.”
Despite progress made so far—especially through international cooperation—the protections currently extend only over part of Can Tho City; officials note further work will be necessary as climate risks persist.