30-minute rain swamps several streets in Ho Chi Minh City

Multiple streets, including Phan Huy Ich, Nguyen Van Qua, and Truong Chinh, were inundated by the heavy rain, which lasted for nearly 30 minutes, causing traffic chaos.

A nearly-one-kilometer stretch of Phan Huy Ich Street was submerged, with many vehicles breaking down and commuters forced to push them through knee-deep floods.

“I’ve been waiting for 30 minutes, but the water still hasn’t drained,” said Thao, a commuter caught in the flood.

Hoa, a resident living along the street, expressed her frustration.

“Whenever it rains, the street floods. During heavy downpours, floodwaters even flow into my home," she said.

“We really hope the drainage system will be upgraded soon to ease the daily struggle."

Attempts by drivers to power through flooded streets often ended in stalled engines, creating chaotic traffic jams.

More rain, thunderstorms forecast

Ho Chi Minh City and many southern provinces are likely to face continued bouts of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the coming days, according to the southern weather center.

Storm Matmo is forecast to enter the East Vietnam Sea within the next 24 to 48 hours, becoming the 11th storm to hit the maritime area this year.

The storm might move in a west-northwest direction.

In addition, the tropical convergence zone currently stretching across the southern East Vietnam Sea is expected to shift northward, while the subtropical high-pressure ridge in the upper atmosphere is pushing westward.

Between Saturday and Monday next week, the southwest monsoon may strengthen, bringing thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.

Meteorologists warn that these weather events could lead to further flooding in low-lying and poorly-drained urban areas in southern Vietnam, disrupting transportation and affecting daily life.

In addition, strong winds and thunderstorms pose risks of falling trees, crop damage, and infrastructure disruption.