Hanoi races to complete flood-control projects ahead of rainy season

The city is simultaneously implementing 12 projects, with three managed by the municipal construction department’s technical infrastructure center, seven by the agriculture and environment department, and two under public-private partnership arrangements.

Authorities expect key drainage and anti-flooding works to be completed in the second and third quarters.

At construction sites across the capital, workers have been operating continuously in recent days, while road sections have been temporarily closed to facilitate the works.

One major project involves upgrading the Thuy Phuong canal, where crews are installing sheet piles, pouring concrete, dredging and building box culverts along a nearly 3.6-km stretch, part of a project valued at more than VND920 billion (US$35 million).

The system is designed to channel water from urban areas including the diplomatic quarter and Vo Chi Cong Boulevard into the To Lich River, improving drainage and helping reduce localized flooding in nearby residential zones.

Nguyen Duc Hung, director of the technical infrastructure management center, said the main components are targeted for completion by April 30 to support drainage during the upcoming rainy season.

Widespread heavy rains in northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, are likely to begin in June, according to the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.