Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms swept across parts of Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of September 30, lasting for more than an hour and leaving several roads deeply flooded as commuters struggled to get home.
On Linh Dong and To Ngoc Van roads in Hiep Binh Ward, water rose to almost motorcycle-seat level in some sections. Run-off from surrounding roads and residential areas quickly collected in low-lying spots, covering the streets.
Floodwater rises close to motorbike seat level on Linh Dong Street on September 30 (Photo: Hoang Huong).
In some areas, strong currents made it difficult for motorcyclists to keep their balance. Several vehicles stalled, forcing riders to get off and push their motorcycles through the floodwater.
Traffic moved slowly through the flooded sections. Many commuters pulled onto pavements and waited for the water to recede before continuing their journeys, while others parked their motorcycles on higher ground to avoid engine failure in deeper water.
Hanh, a local resident who regularly travels through the area, said flooding was common during heavy rain.
“This area often floods when there is heavy rain. Today's downpour was heavier and lasted longer, so the flooding was worse. Many motorcycles stalled, and some people fell because of the strong current,” she said.
Fast-moving floodwater forces many people to pull their vehicles onto the pavement (Photo: Hoang Huong).
Later that evening, traffic officers from Hiep Binh Ward were deployed at the Linh Dong-To Ngoc Van intersection to regulate traffic and help residents move their vehicles through the deepest sections.
The Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Centre said satellite imagery at 6 pm showed developing convective clouds bringing rain, thunderstorms and lightning to wards and communes in central, northern and north-eastern parts of Ho Chi Minh City.
Rainfall was generally 20-70mm, with some areas recording more than 100mm.
Residents struggle to travel along To Ngoc Van Street (Photo: Hoang Huong).
The weather agency advised residents to avoid deeply flooded areas and fast-flowing water, and to seek safe shelter when thunderstorms and lightning occur. Motorcyclists and other road users were urged to slow down, maintain a safe distance and avoid roads at risk of severe flooding.
