Ho Chi Minh City Underpass Suffers Frequent Flooding After Heavy Rains

On September 15, an underpass nearly 700 meters long near the new Eastern Bus Station in Long Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, was submerged by nearly half a meter of water after nearly an hour of heavy rain. A section of about 100 meters was inundated with water 20-40 cm deep, causing numerous vehicles to stall and requiring drivers to push their vehicles. Some motorcyclists turned back upon discovering the flooding, leading to traffic congestion on the surface. By 4 PM, the water had not fully receded. The underpass, located along National Highway 1 heading from Ho Chi Minh City towards Dong Nai province, is a key component of the new Eastern Bus Station project, with a total investment of over 437 billion VND (approximately $18 million USD). Opened in 2023, it accommodates motorcycles and small cars, aiming to separate traffic flow on National Highway 1 from vehicles entering and exiting the bus station. However, residents note that this tunnel has frequently flooded during heavy rains since its opening. A representative from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport Investment and Construction Management (the investor) stated that they are aware of the situation and are investigating the cause and implementing solutions. Previous flooding incidents were primarily attributed to malfunctions in pumping systems or electrical issues, preventing timely water removal during heavy rainfall. Additionally, drainage culverts near the underpass have been blocked by debris, slowing water drainage. Beyond this underpass, a tunnel within the An Phu intersection project was recently flooded by 0.8-1 meter of water during heavy rains on the evening of September 10. Authorities had to close the tunnel for nearly a day, causing widespread traffic jams at the eastern gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. The cause was determined to be the incomplete main pumping station, with the temporary pumping system being overwhelmed by the heaviest rainfall of the year. Under Vietnam's one-party system, infrastructure development is positioned as a crucial pillar of national economic growth, attracting significant investment. However, rapid urban development combined with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change repeatedly exposes the vulnerabilities of existing infrastructure. In densely populated areas like Ho Chi Minh City, inadequate drainage capacity and aging infrastructure directly impact citizens' daily lives. In the context of relations with China, as Vietnam's importance in regional supply chains grows, the stable operation of logistics infrastructure can have ripple effects on the entire economy.