Ho Chi Minh City ramps up safety measures for rainy season

According to a directive issued by Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the municipal administration, all departments, agencies, and district-level authorities—including Thu Duc City—were urged to prioritize public safety as the rainy season approaches.

The move follows a report by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on the serious injury of a boy caused by a tree collapse on the evening of May 7 in District 5.

The city has since stressed the need to prevent similar accidents by accelerating flood control projects, cleaning and maintaining drainage systems, and punishing illegal dumping that clogs urban infrastructure.

Local authorities were tasked with engaging residents and businesses to prevent littering in streets and waterways.

Increased patrols and strict penalties will be applied to violators and illegal constructions that impede drainage.

The municipal Department of Construction must fast-track infrastructure projects, especially 12 flood-prone main roads set for improvement during the 2025-30 period.

Other key efforts include guiding water flow around construction sites for canal upgrades and transportation development.

To better monitor local flooding, the city will expand use of the FEDS app, helping pinpoint and respond to inundated alleys and minor roads.

The construction department must also work with district-level authorities to review the health of street trees, promptly trimming, reinforcing, or removing those that are diseased, hollow, aging, or overly top-heavy.

Storm response teams will be on standby to remove fallen trees and ensure road safety.

Besides, construction sites will be subject to closer inspections.

Projects that endanger tree systems or damage drainage infrastructure will face strict penalties.

Street trees in parks and public spaces will also be reviewed regularly.

Unsafe trees will be replaced, and those with excessive canopies or structural risks will be pruned to avoid collapses during storms.