Hanoi Flooded Extensively Due to Record Rainfall; Traffic Disrupted, Daily Life Affected

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is grappling with widespread flooding due to record-breaking rainfall that began on September 14. According to the Hanoi Department of Construction, cumulative rainfall has exceeded 400 mm in many areas, with some locations reaching over 500 mm. This has severely restricted the city's drainage capacity, as river levels have surpassed alarm levels 2 and 3. Heavy rain continued intermittently through the morning of September 17, with many areas receiving over 150 mm of precipitation. This has led to submerged roads across the western, southern, and parts of the central districts, significantly disrupting daily life. In low-lying areas, floodwaters have entered residential neighborhoods, forcing residents to navigate streets by boat. Some schools have transitioned to online learning, and many residents have taken time off work or opted for remote work. The meteorological authorities have forecast continued thunderstorms throughout the day. In suburban areas, the Bui and Tich rivers have risen above alarm level 3, affecting over 370 households. While 36 pumping stations are operating to drain the urban areas, they are struggling to keep up. The Department of Construction has banned vehicle traffic in some flooded areas and is providing detour guidance. The Hanoi Department of Construction's report attributes the flooding primarily to the prolonged and widespread rainfall since September 14. In areas with over 400 mm of cumulative rainfall, the water levels in the sewage system, canals, regulating lakes, and drainage channels remain consistently high, reducing their storage and regulation capacity. Furthermore, the Nhue River and other waterways are above alarm levels 2 and 3. In the western and southwestern parts of the Nhue River basin, high river levels impede natural drainage and slow down the rate at which water levels decrease in the system. With continued rainfall and a constant influx of water, drainage in low-lying areas is expected to worsen. This record rainfall is believed to be a combination of a tropical depression and a tropical convergence zone. Hanoi's Department of Construction statistics show that as of 9 AM on September 17, areas like Yen So had recorded 570 mm, Hai Ba Trung 550 mm, and Cau Giay 439 mm, indicating exceptionally high precipitation levels. The extensive flooding has also crippled the city's transportation network. Notably, To Huu Street, connecting Tu Liem and Ha Dong districts, has been submerged under nearly half a meter of water since early morning, with floodwaters spilling onto sidewalks and making passage difficult for vehicles. Many cars have stalled in the water, creating traffic chaos. In some suburban areas, particularly Tan My Street in Tu Liem District and Hoa Bang Street in Cau Giay District, which already suffer from inadequate drainage infrastructure, severe flooding has occurred. Residents have taken measures to elevate their belongings, but some homes have experienced water damage. Children are unable to attend school, and residents are confined to their homes. The Hanoi Drainage Company is operating 36 pumping stations across the city to lower water levels. Since yesterday afternoon, they have also opened the Thanh Liet sluice gate to help reduce water levels in the Nhue, Bui, Tich, and Day rivers, prioritizing urban drainage. Source: VnExpress