Hanoi residents struggle as heavy overnight rain floods streets

According to the Hanoi Drainage Company, rainfall between midnight and 7:00 am on Tuesday ranged from 80 mm to nearly 250 mm in several downtown areas, including 245 mm in Hoang Cau, 207 mm in Nam Tu Liem, and 191 mm in Ha Dong.

Prolonged downpours, accompanied by thunder and strong winds triggered by Matmo’s circulation and high-altitude wind convergence, inundated large parts of the city overnight.

By early morning, severe flooding remained on major streets such as Tran Cung, Vo Chi Cong, Phan Van Truong, Thuy Khue, Nguyen Trai, Bui Xuong Trach, and Vuong Thua Vu, with water reaching 30–50 cm in some sections.

Many motorbikes stalled mid-commute, forcing riders to push them through deep water, Tuoi Tre (Youth) reporters observed.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported at 5:20 am that Hanoi had experienced moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall ranging from 40 mm to 80 mm in most areas and up to 116 mm in Soc Son Commune.

By 6:00 am, Xuan Dinh and Xuan La Streets were submerged under more than half a meter of water, while flooding also hit Xuan Tao and Nguyen Xuan Khoat areas.

Widespread inundation was reported across Ha Dong, Yen Nghia, Kien Hung, Duong Noi, An Khanh, Son Dong, Dai Mo, and Thanh Xuan Wards as convection clouds continued to develop over the city.

Traffic police were deployed from early morning to assist motorcyclists and redirect vehicles away from flooded zones.

Drivers were urged to avoid low-lying routes due to hidden hazards beneath the water.

Flooding was particularly severe near the Quan Nhan – Vu Trong Phung intersection and the My Dinh bus station, where water rose above motorbike exhaust pipes by 7:00 am.

Many schools and universities on Monday morning issued emergency notices allowing students to stay home and switch to online learning or cancel classes for safety reasons.