Northern Vietnam Flooded as Heavy Rains Swell Rivers, Damaging Infrastructure and Crops

Record heavy rains have continued to lash northern Vietnam, causing rivers in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces to significantly exceed alert levels and rise rapidly on the morning of September 17. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned of potential severe flooding in many riverside areas. Several locations recorded unprecedented rainfall, including 185mm in Hoai Duc (Hanoi), 173mm in Gia Vien (Ninh Binh), and 238mm in Cam Lien (Thanh Hoa). Consequently, rivers such as the Tich and Bui in Hanoi, the Day in Ninh Binh, and the Buoi, Len, Yen, and Ma in Thanh Hoa have surpassed alert level 3, with some continuing to rise. The floods have resulted in the collapse of at least three houses and damage to 21 others. Approximately 2,300 households have been affected by inundation, with Ninh Binh province reporting the highest number at 921. In the agricultural sector, over 10,000 hectares of rice paddies and crops have been submerged, causing substantial losses. Infrastructure has also been impacted, with an 18-meter section of the dyke along the Ta Day River in Ninh Binh collapsing, though local authorities have completed emergency repairs. In Hanoi, 1,400 meters of dykes along the Bui River were breached, prompting an emergency reinforcement effort by residents, military, and police. Meteorological agencies predict that localized rainfall exceeding 150mm may occur in Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An provinces, and southern Phu Tho province. However, heavy rainfall in the northern regions is expected to gradually decrease from September 18. Despite this, the intensity of the rainfall over a short period highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure and could have long-term repercussions on residents' lives and economic activities. Vietnam has been frequently affected by extreme weather events due to climate change in recent years, making infrastructure development and disaster preparedness urgent priorities. Flooding in densely populated northern coastal areas, in particular, could pose a challenge to the country's continued economic growth and sustainable development.