High tides severely flood streets, homes in Ho Chi Minh City

On Pham Huu Lau Street in Tan My Ward, floodwaters reached a depth of about 0.5 meters from around 4:45 pm, according to observations by reporters from Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper.

Many motorbikes stalled, forcing riders to push them through the water, while others waited for water levels to recede.

Passing vehicles sent waves onto sidewalks and into nearby houses, further worsening the flooding and slowing traffic.

Other affected roads included Tran Xuan Soan and Hoang Quoc Viet Streets, where motorists struggled to navigate the floodwaters.

A truck repair workshop beneath Sai Gon Bridge was also flooded, while water began rising on sections of Nguyen Van Huong Street in An Khanh Ward at around 4:00 pm.

On Road 404 in Phuoc Long Ward, water rose to more than half the height of motorbike wheels, and residents said fish could be seen swimming in the street during high tides.

The flooding also disrupted businesses along Pham Huu Lau Street, where shopkeepers covered their goods with tarpaulins to protect them from the water.

Rubbish floated along the flooded road, and buses struggled to pass through the water.

The high tides also disrupted daily life in low-lying residential areas, where floodwater entered houses and rental rooms.

At Alley 142 off Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Binh Trung Ward, residents returning from work had to leave their motorbikes at the entrance and wade through the water to reach their homes.

Children were seen swimming in the flooded alley as residents struggled to keep water out of their houses.

Many households repeatedly moved their belongings to higher ground and cleaned their floors, only for waves from passing vehicles to send water back inside.

Some residents piled materials at their doorways to create makeshift barriers, but water continued to seep into their homes, including bedrooms.

In one home, a couple raised containers and laid a steel sheet to create a place to sit and eat dinner above the floodwater.

Water also reached rental properties and a local shrine, while residents tried to remove floating rubbish.

Nguyen Thi Thuy, 64, who has lived in the alley for 20 years, told Tuoi Tre that high tides occur twice a month and significantly disrupt residents' lives.

She said the Sunday flooding was the worst she had experienced and hoped the road would be upgraded to make travel and daily activities easier.

Elsewhere, floodwaters in Alley 886 off Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street in Thanh My Tay Ward rose to nearly half the height of motorbike wheels, making it difficult for residents to get around.

The water also gave off an unpleasant smell.

Kim My, 50, a resident of the alley, said it had been flooded twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, in recent days.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, tides in southern Vietnam reached high levels on Sunday, with the highest water levels of the current tidal cycle expected on Sunday and next Monday.

Water levels at the Phu An and Nha Be stations were forecast to reach 1.70-1.75 meters, with high tides expected between 4:00 am and 6:00 am and between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

At the Thu Dau Mot station, water levels were forecast to reach 1.90-1.95 meters, with high tides expected between 6:00 am and 8:00 am and between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.