Dong Nai Province Faces Widespread Flooding After Heavy Rains

Widespread and severe flooding has hit Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam following over two hours of heavy rainfall on the evening of September 21. Water levels in some areas reached nearly one meter, causing vehicles to stall and water to inundate homes, disrupting daily life and commutes. Around 8 PM, heavy rain poured down on communes such as Dai Phuoc, Phuoc An, and Nhon Trach, leading to deep flooding in many residential areas and local roads. Some internal roads within industrial parks were also submerged, making it difficult for residents and workers to travel. On Hung Vuong Street, particularly in Phuoc An commune (formerly Nhon Trach district), water from higher ground surged down, causing several sections to flood to nearly one meter deep. A series of motorcycles stalled, forcing residents to push their vehicles. Water also flowed into many houses lining the street. Residents had to elevate their belongings and use pumps to drain water to minimize damage. According to local vendors near Vinh Thanh market, the rain lasted for over two hours, intensifying towards the end. Water from the Nhon Trach industrial parks flowed into the area, overwhelming the drainage system and causing rapid flooding. Many workers finishing their shifts were unable to pass and had to wait for the water to recede. Mr. Thanh, a small trader on Hung Vuong Street, stated that the area frequently floods during heavy rains. Despite building a high protective wall, water still entered his home. "I had to use a water pump, otherwise all my belongings would get wet," he said, noting this was the third flood in September. Heavy rain also caused localized flooding in some low-lying areas of Thanh Son commune, along the Dong Nai River. Local authorities have relocated many residents to safer locations. The Dong Nai Hydrometeorological Station forecasts moderate to heavy rain in the province over the next 48-72 hours, with total rainfall expected to be between 80-130 mm, and over 130 mm in some places. This period of heavy rain is likely to continue until September 24. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that from the afternoon of September 21 to September 24, the eastern regions of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong provinces, as well as the southern region, could experience rainfall of 150-250 mm per event, with localized amounts exceeding 400 mm. There is also a risk of rainfall intensity exceeding 100 mm within a three-hour period.