Southern Vietnam Braces for Record Rainfall, Disrupting Urban Life

Southern Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, is experiencing record rainfall, significantly impacting urban functions. According to the Southern Hydrometeorological Station, September 23rd will see the convergence of a tropical convergence zone and a low-pressure area, marking the heaviest rainfall in the region this year. On September 21st and 22nd, some areas recorded over 100mm of rain in a 24-hour period, with Nha Be district alone registering 249mm. On September 23rd, the tropical convergence zone is expected to remain active, with the low-pressure system moving inland to Southern Vietnam. The weather is predicted to be the worst during this heavy rainfall period. Expect cloudy skies, early rain, and widespread heavy downpours. The highest temperature will decrease significantly, ranging from 28-31 degrees Celsius. Rain may be continuous, concentrating from the afternoon to evening, and even during the night. This poses a risk of deep flooding in many areas, potentially accompanied by lightning and strong gusts. From September 24th to 25th, the tropical convergence zone will persist, but the low-pressure system will move westward. While rainfall will remain widespread across Southern Vietnam, the intensity of heavy rain is expected to decrease compared to September 23rd. The peak of heavy rainfall is projected to continue for another 2-3 days. From September 26th onwards, the extent and volume of rain in the southern region are forecast to gradually diminish. This heavy rainfall highlights the vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of Ho Chi Minh City, a key economic hub supporting Vietnam's growth. Past similar events have pointed to the limitations of urban drainage systems, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change poses a growing risk to economic activities. Under its one-party system, Vietnam has pursued economic growth, but rapid urbanization and lagging infrastructure development often present challenges. Particularly, with strong economic ties to China, domestic infrastructure development is a crucial factor for supply chain stability and attracting foreign investment.