Evening downpour floods Thao Dien and Quoc Huong, snarling traffic to Saigon Bridge

A heavy storm that lasted close to two hours hit Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of October 1, flooding streets from downtown through the Thao Dien expat area, according to local media reports.

What happened

• Water on Quoc Huong Street, a main road through Thao Dien, reportedly rose to nearly one meter and stalled vehicles.
• Traffic backed up for more than 4 km between Hang Xanh and Saigon Bridge by around 7 p.m.
• At least 12 streets were reported as seriously flooded, including Nguyen Huu Canh near Landmark 81 and Pham Van Dong.
• Heavy rain combined with high tide overwhelmed drainage, and the Thao Dien riverside area was described as one of the city's recurring flood hotspots.

Other reports said water kept rising on some streets after the rain stopped, as tidal water flowed back through drains. City officials linked part of the flooding in other districts to dredging work on the Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Nuoc Len canal project. Residents moved motorbikes to higher ground and cleared blocked drains to help the water recede.

Practical tips for residents

• Avoid driving or riding through Quoc Huong, Nguyen Van Huong and nearby low streets during or just after heavy rain, especially around high tide.
• Do not ride a motorbike through deep water. Stalled engines are the most common cause of trouble.
• Give yourself extra time in the late afternoon and evening, when storms are most likely.

Sources: VnExpress International, Tuoi Tre News, Dan Tri International.