Central Vietnam Cities Submerged by Heavy Rainfall

Vinh city in Nghe An province, and other areas in central Vietnam, experienced severe and widespread flooding on September 19th due to prolonged heavy rainfall that began in the early morning. Many central streets were submerged, with water levels reaching up to 50cm in some locations, causing significant disruption to traffic and daily life. Key thoroughfares such as Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Phong Dinh Cang, and Nguyen Van Cu streets saw water levels rise to 30-40cm, nearly submerging the wheels of 5-seater cars. Many motorcyclists were forced to push their vehicles, with some traveling long distances on foot. Several drivers had to turn back to find alternative routes. The area surrounding the Tecco Ben Thuy apartment complex also experienced flooding, with water levels reaching above the halfway mark of vehicle wheels. On Ly Thuong Kiet street, strong waves generated by passing cars caused a flood barrier at the entrance to an underground parking garage to collapse, leading to a torrent of water pouring into the facility. Vehicles parked inside were submerged. Residents on Nguyen Duy Trinh street began to see water enter their homes around 11 AM, with some areas experiencing about 30cm of flooding in their yards and kitchens. Locals were seen moving furniture and electrical appliances to higher ground to prevent damage. One resident expressed concern that if the rain continued, the water levels would rise further, making the situation unmanageable. Local authorities have deployed personnel to flooded areas to manage traffic, warn residents, and clear drainage channels. As of 1 PM, the rain had not stopped, and many road sections remained flooded at depths of 20-30cm, with some low-lying areas experiencing nearly half a meter of water. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the convergence of the intertropical convergence zone and wind convergence led to very heavy rainfall in areas from Nghe An to Quang Tri. Between 7 AM and 12 PM on September 19th, rainfall in some locations exceeded 100mm, with Vinh city recording 303mm – approximately one-seventh of its annual average. Xuan Hoa Lake in Ha Tinh received 113mm, and Dong Hoi in Quang Tri recorded 146mm. The center forecasts continued heavy rain and thunderstorms in the region from Nghe An to Hue city on the afternoon and evening of September 19th, with rainfall generally between 30-60mm, and locally exceeding 100mm. Southern Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces are expected to receive 50-100mm, with isolated areas experiencing over 250mm. In Thanh Sen, the central district of Ha Tinh province, heavy rain also caused localized flooding of 20-30cm on main streets such as Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Du, and Le Ninh, with some areas temporarily reaching nearly half a meter. By noon, the water had begun to recede.