The Impact of Land-Use Conversion on Flood Dynamics: A Case Study of An Giang Province, Vietnam

This study examines the impact of land-use (LU) conversions on flood dynamics in An Giang province, a flood-prone headwater region of the Mekong River, from 2000 to 2023. Using Landsat imagery and Google Earth Engine (GEE), we analyzed LU changes and flood extent during peak seasons (June–November). Results reveal that LU shifts—particularly the rise in aquaculture (703 ha to 5,531 ha) and crops which replacing with rice—reduced water storage capacity, altering flood drainage. Before dyke construction (2000–2006), floods vol/frequency 175,719 ha, peaking at 235,290 ha in 2000. Post-2007 dyke expansion decreased flooded areas to 61,658 ha (2007–2013) and 25,502 ha (2014–2023), while autumn-winter rice surged from 45,633 ha to 116,067 ha. Periodic controlled flooding proved essential for ecological balance and dyke stability. In conclusion, 24-year analysis uniquely integrates LU shifts with flood dynamics in An Giang, highlighting the need for flexible LU policies and controlled flooding strategies to ensure sustainable development amid climate change. Periodic flooding in the Long Xuyen Quadrilateral proved vital for dyke stability and ecosystems. Adaptive LU strategies—prioritizing rice-shrimp systems and drought-tolerant crops—combined with ENSO-informed flood releases, are essential for sustainable development amid climate change. Keywords: An Giang region, crops replacing, flood dynamics, land-use change, remote sensing