The sinking situation of the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta in the south of Việt Nam—seen in the rising tides and worsening floods affecting the region—is obviously caused by climate change. But the mindset of planners that fostered the building of embankment systems around the delta decades ago has worsened today’s situation.

The roads to Nam Hài Village in Hà Nội’s suburban district of Chương Mỹ are so flooded that the village has been receiving safe water via canoes sent daily by the district’s High Command. At the edge of the village in Nam Phương Tiến commune, the water line reaches towards some roofs and treetops.