Overnight downpour floods streets and slows morning traffic in Ho Chi Minh City

Prolonged heavy rain that started at midnight on September 30 caused localized flooding and slow traffic across parts of Ho Chi Minh City during the morning rush hour, according to Saigon Giai Phong (SGGP) English Edition.

Where streets were affected

The outlet reported water on several routes, including:

• The intersection of Nguyen Anh Thu and Song Hanh streets in Ba Diem Commune
• R12 Street, leading to Ba Son Bridge
• Mai Chi Tho Street
• Hanoi Highway and its frontage road
• Nguyen Van Linh Street

Floodwater also reached crop-growing areas in Binh Loi Commune.

Impact on traffic

At some intersections the water rose above the middle of vehicle wheels, and a number of vehicles stalled. Water under some bridges was reported at 30 to 40 centimeters deep. On Nguyen Van Linh Street, congestion backed up about 1.2 kilometers from the Pham Hung intersection toward Ong Lon Bridge. Trips on affected routes that normally take about 10 minutes stretched to 20 to 30 minutes.

Official response

Nguyen Thi Liem, chairwoman of the Binh Loi People's Committee, said local authorities had put flood-mitigation measures in place. These included road maintenance on the Tran Van Giau, Kenh Rau Ram and Vuon Thom routes, along with inspections of pumps at drainage culverts.

What it means for residents

The report shows that a single stretch of heavy rain can noticeably lengthen travel times on main roads in the city's north and west. Residents who commute through the areas named above may want to allow extra time on days with prolonged rain and check conditions before leaving. The article gave no figures for total rainfall or for any injuries.

Source: SGGP English Edition.