Record floods in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam kill 1; submerge homes, crops

The center reported that rainfall has reached 70-100 millimeters in some areas over the past several days, while river water levels, combined with high tides, exceeded historical records in multiple locations.

Water levels in the Mekong Delta surpassed historical highs in several locations, including Can Tho City, which rose 2.33 meters, 6 cm above the previous record, and My Thuan, up 2.22 meters, 5 cm above its record.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot Ward recorded a tide 1.87 meters high, 7 cm above its historical high, while Phu An and Nha Be Stations were near their historical levels.

At least one person died in Bau Bang Commune after floodwaters swept away a temporary home.

Flooding submerged dozens of homes, including 69 in Ben Cat Ward and 103 in Long Nguyen Ward, and damaged 42.5 hectares of crops, roads, and vehicles.

Phuoc Thanh Commune saw 0.8 hectares of rubber plantations inundated, while 10 hectares of crops were affected in Phu An Ward. 

In Thu Dau Mot Ward, 106 meters of canal embankment was breached. 

Breaches in local embankments in Binh Hoa and Binh My Communes caused flooding of roads and surrounding areas, and embankment failures in Dong Thanh and An Phu Dong Wards inundated orchards and streets.

In Dong Thap Province, floods inundated 17 homes, five classrooms, 88 hectares of newly-planted rice, 447 hectares of fruit orchards, 3.5 hectares of vegetables, and 2.5 hectares of aquaculture, causing estimated losses of VND8.62 billion (US$327,700).

Other southern localities, including Can Tho City and Vinh Long Province, also reported widespread flooding in areas previously unaffected, authorities said.