Ho Chi Minh City Faces Widespread Flooding and Severe Traffic Jams After Heavy Rain

Ho Chi Minh City is grappling with widespread flooding and severe traffic congestion following days of heavy rainfall. The Southern Hydro-meteorological Station reported that the intertropical convergence zone is highly active, with rainfall expected to range from 70-150 mm on September 23 and 24. Significant flooding and traffic jams stretching for kilometers have occurred on several major routes. On Lý Tế Xuyên street, at the intersection with Linh Đông street in Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), water flowed like a waterfall, forcing many vehicles to stop and causing gridlock on arterial roads such as Phạm Văn Đồng boulevard, Mai Chí Thọ street, and Xa lộ Hà Nội (Hanoi Highway). Phạm Văn Đồng boulevard, a key route connecting Thu Duc to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, saw traffic jams of approximately 3 km in both directions. On Lý Tế Xuyên street, the steep incline exacerbates the danger during heavy downpours, with swift currents posing a risk. Local residents noted that flooding has been a persistent issue in this area for over 20 years, with water taking several hours to recede even after the rain stops. Near Xa lộ Hà Nội, Đường số 2 also experienced deep flooding, causing many vehicles to stall. In the city center, near the Ba Son bridge in Thu Thiem, flooding reached half the height of vehicle wheels, making passage difficult for about 100 meters. Waves generated by larger vehicles have reportedly affected nearby motorcycles, causing them to break down. In the southern part of the city, approximately 10 km from the center, Lê Văn Lương street is submerged by over half a meter for nearly 1.5 km, with most vehicles stalling and residents resorting to walking. Some households have erected cardboard barriers to prevent water from entering their homes. The extensive flooding and traffic paralysis underscore the vulnerabilities in Ho Chi Minh City's infrastructure, particularly its drainage systems, amidst ongoing urban development and the growing impacts of climate change.