High tides turn Ho Chi Minh City streets into rivers

Many streets in Binh Dong Ward, including Pham The Hien, Trinh Quang Nghi, and Rach Cung, as well as nearby alleys were left awash with water due to the high tides.

The tidal flooding disrupted traffic and caused a series of motorbikes to stall mid-route, forcing riders to push their vehicles through knee-deep water.

Some residents chose to wait on sidewalks until the water receded before continuing their journey.

“Even though it didn’t rain, the tide rose so high that water spilled onto the streets and into alleys, making it difficult for people to get around, especially parents and students,” said one resident.

Some students had to walk their bicycles through the water to get home.

On Rach Cung Street, water levels rose nearly to the height of motorcycle wheels in some sections.

Residents waded through the flooded street, while many households struggled to prevent water from seeping into their homes.

Pumps and makeshift barriers were deployed in an effort to keep interiors dry.

“The tide was unusually high today, and water entered my house. I had to use a pump to drain it out,” another resident shared.

A similar situation was reported on Nguyen Binh Street in Hiep Phuoc Commune, formerly part of Nha Be District, where flooding also occurred due to the rising tides.

Tide levels on the Saigon River have risen significantly at many monitoring stations and are expected to remain high for the next two to three days before receding, according to the southern weather center.

Peak tide levels are forecast to persist through Sunday.

Residents are urged to remain cautious, as heavy rainfall combined with high tides could worsen flooding in low-lying and riverside areas, affecting traffic and economic activities.