Ho Chi Minh City Streets Submerged During Evening Rush Hour Amidst Heavy Rains

Ho Chi Minh City's eastern districts, including former Districts 2 and Binh Thanh, experienced severe flooding during the evening rush hour due to heavy rains. The deluge caused significant traffic congestion, making it difficult for many residents to return home. At the intersection of Do Xuan Hop Street and Street No. 9, a passing car generated a large wave that toppled a motorbike. On Quoc Huong Street in former District 2, water levels rose to half a meter, stalling numerous vehicles. The area, home to a large expatriate community, saw residents and delivery drivers navigating through the floodwaters. Hang was seen carrying her child on her back through approximately 500 meters of floodwater on Quoc Huong Street on her way home from school. The situation on Chu Van An Street in Binh Thanh highlighted how clogged drainage systems exacerbate flooding. One resident, Dat, was seen clearing trash, including large plastic bags, to prevent storm drains from clogging. He stated, "Many households leave Styrofoam boxes and other waste in front of their homes, and it all accumulates on the street. I have to take the trouble to clear it away so the drains can function." In an alley off Chu Van An, water rose to nearly a meter and poured into a row of homes. Many households propped metal sheets and boards against their doors but still could not keep the water out. Nguyen Van Ti was observed using a pump to draw water out of his living room. He mentioned that Chu Van An Street was widened in work completed late last year, but the heavy rain still left the alley where his family lives deeply flooded. "I thought that after the road was upgraded, the drainage system would help reduce flooding in the alleys, but today the water still came into the house. It's very inconvenient," he said. Deep flooding during rush hour caused severe congestion on Do Xuan Hop Street, with a dense stream of cars and motorbikes inching home. Heavy congestion was also observed on Dien Bien Phu Street in Binh Thanh. This flooding incident underscores the vulnerabilities in Ho Chi Minh City's urban infrastructure, particularly its drainage systems. While Vietnam continues its economic growth, the lag in infrastructure development amid rapid urbanization is directly impacting the lives of its citizens. Information Source: VnExpress International