Ho Chi Minh City lists most flood-prone streets, including one in former Thao Dien

Ho Chi Minh City has recorded 37 rainfall events of 10-80mm so far this year, including 10 heavy downpours exceeding 50mm.

The rain typically lasts one to two hours, putting pressure on the drainage system and causing localized flooding in many areas.

Flooding caused by rainfall typically reaches depths of 10-30cm, mostly occurring during rainfall, with water receding within less than 30 minutes after the rain stops.

Rain-induced flooding has been reported at locations including the Vo Van Kiet - Ho Hoc Lam intersection in An Lac Ward; Ung Van Khiem Street in Thanh My Tay Ward; Pham Van Chieu Street in An Hoi Dong Ward; Phan Huy Ich Street in An Hoi Tay Ward; the parallel road along National Highway 22 in Ba Diem Commune; Phan Van Hon and Nguyen Van Qua Streets in Dong Hung Thuan Commune; Duong Van Cam, Kha Van Can, Dang Thi Ranh, Le Thi Hoa Streets, Tam Tam Xa Street area near Thu Duc Market; and Provincial Road 43 in Tam Binh Ward.

Other rain-induced flood-prone locations are also found in areas of former Binh Duong area, including Binh Duong Boulevard in Lai Thieu Ward; Cach Mang Thang 8 Street at the culvert crossing near Nho Bridge in Thuan An Ward; National Highway 1K from Chu Hoa slope to Cai Cau Canal in Dong Hoa Ward; the Binh Thang stream area in Dong Hoa Ward; the Cong T-junction on Thich Quang Duc Street in Thu Dau Mot Ward; the road along Bung Cai Canal in Thu Dau Mot Ward; and Ho Van Cong - National Highway 13 area in Chanh Hiep Ward.

Several locations in the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau area are also listed, such as Thi Sach Street in front of Vung Tau High School; Vo Nguyen Giap Street at the foot of Co May Bridge; Vo Nguyen Giap Street at Eo Ong Tu; and April 30 Street from Le Quang Dinh to Nguyen Huu Canh Streets.

Regarding tidal flooding, eight roads remain vulnerable as they are located in riverside areas, low-lying zones, and areas with dense canal networks.

They include Tran Xuan Soan Street in Tan Thuan Ward, Huynh Tan Phat Street in Phu Thuan Ward, Pham Huu Lau Street in Tan My Ward, Dao Su Tich and Nguyen Binh Streets in Nha Be Commune, Nguyen Van Huong Street in An Khanh Ward (previously in Thao Dien Ward), Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Phuoc Long Ward, and the expanded Decoimex area in Tam Thang Ward.

Flood control measures underway

To cope with heavy rain and high tides while awaiting the implementation of flood-control projects, the city is continuing a range of measures, including dredging silted-up drains, outfalls, and canals, clearing trash from stormwater inlets, and repairing deteriorated drainage infrastructure.

The city is also deploying an online flood warning system, operating existing tide-control gates, pumping stations, and tidal sluices, and updating flood information on traffic message boards to help residents choose alternative routes.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City is coordinating with local authorities to install and operate tide-control gates on branch drains and alleyway drainage systems to reduce tidal intrusion, while also considering localized road elevation upgrades in low-lying areas.