Heavy rain floods streets, disrupts evening commute in Ho Chi Minh City

The city is experiencing increased rainfall in both coverage and intensity due to the influence of the southern edge of the intertropical convergence zone, whose axis extends across the south-central coast and the central East Vietnam Sea, according to the southern weather center.

Rain began in parts of the city around noon before easing, but it intensified toward the late afternoon and evening, spreading across the city.

Rainfall totals recorded in Ho Chi Minh City were relatively high.

The Cu Chi area recorded 103 mm, followed by Cat Lai with 95.4 mm, Thu Duc 88 mm, and Hoc Mon 76.8 mm.

On To Ngoc Van Street in Hiep Binh Ward, heavy rain began at around 5:00 pm.

Some 30 minutes later, several sections of the street were flooded.

In some locations, water rose above knee level, severely disrupting traffic.

Several motorbikes stalled in the floodwaters, forcing their riders to push them onto the roadside.

Others waded through deep water as they tried to continue their journeys home.

Hoang Van Lanh said the downpour was exceptionally heavy and caused water levels to rise rapidly within a short period.

“The water rose too quickly, so I couldn’t get through,” he shared.

“I had to stop and wait for the rain to ease and the water level to fall before I dared to head home.”

To Ngoc Van Street was not the only affected road.

Heavy rain also caused localized flooding on Nguyen Duy Trinh Street in Long Truong Ward, making it difficult for residents to return home after a day at work.

On Vo Chi Cong Street, heavy rain accompanied by strong, gusty winds and flooding forced vehicles to slow down.

At around 6:00 pm, traffic in both directions on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in Xom Chieu Ward became congested amid the downpour.

The combination of heavy rush-hour traffic and adverse weather conditions made the evening commute particularly difficult for residents.

The national weather center said that from Thursday night through Friday, the southern parts of the Central Highlands, particularly Lam Dong Province, and the southern region would continue to experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Rainfall totals are forecast at 40-70 mm, with some areas expected to receive more than 120 mm.