Ho Chi Minh City Streets Flood After Heavy Rain; An Phu Intersection Underpass Remains Dry

Following a heavy downpour that began after 6 PM on September 18, numerous streets in Ho Chi Minh City, including Dang Thi Ranh, Linh Dong, Le Van Viet, Nguyen Van Huong, and R12, experienced significant flooding. On Linh Dong Street in the evening of September 18, many residents were forced to take temporary shelter along the roadside as the water levels rose too high to navigate. The heavy rain and subsequent flooding in these areas created considerable difficulties for residents' daily commutes and businesses. While the flooding on Dang Thi Ranh Street was not as severe as on September 10, it still posed challenges for many. On Linh Dong Street, the rising and swift-moving water made it difficult for motorcyclists to pass. Many motorbikes stalled, and residents were seen wading through the floodwaters. Debris, including garbage bags and various items, was swept along the streets, obstructing traffic. Some motorcyclists were unable to proceed and sought refuge in front of houses, waiting for the water to recede. Ms. Le Thi Hong, a local resident, stated that this was the sixth time the street had flooded since the onset of heavy rains in Ho Chi Minh City. She noted that while the current flooding was less severe than a few days prior, the water had previously risen high enough to enter homes, disrupting daily life. Residents in the area reported that during prolonged heavy rainfall, rapid water accumulation consistently impedes their movement and commercial activities. Additionally, minor flooding was observed on Pham Van Chieu, Nguyen Van Huong, and R12 streets after the rain. In contrast, the underpass at the An Phu intersection project (Binh Khanh Ward) remained operational and free of flooding despite the intense rain on the evening of September 18. Vehicles traveling from the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh Expressway towards Mai Chi Tho Street and vice versa experienced smooth passage. Drawing from the Netherlands' extensive experience in water management, experts are collaborating with Ho Chi Minh City to enhance flood prevention strategies, including increasing water retention basins, creating more storage space for floodwaters, and leveraging data for proactive responses to heavy rain and high tides. Information Source: The Saigon Times