Trash collected around Nam Phuoc Commune and An Thang Ward formed long rows along streets near Nam Phuoc Market. 

Bags of household waste, spoiled food, and flood damaged belongings sat in heaps beneath signs that warned against dumping. 

Some vendors said the smell had already begun to affect business.

“The weather turned hot in recent days and the smell became unbearable,” said market vendor Doan Thi Phuong. 

“Workers cleared some of it today, but tomorrow it fills up again.”

In the Long Xuyen 2 neighborhood, storm debris and household waste have stayed on pavements for days and spilled into the street, according to residents.

A Nam Phuoc Commune official said authorities and volunteers began clearing waste as soon as floodwaters receded, but the amount left behind was far greater than collection and transport teams could handle. 

The commune plans to increase staff and encourage residents to sort waste to speed up processing.