Rush-hour downpour paralyzes Ho Chi Minh City, stranding commuters in deep floods

Downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, leaving a series of streets flooded, including Quoc Huong and Xuan Thuy in An Khanh Ward, R12 in Saigon Ward, D5 in Thanh My Tay Ward and Nguyen Van Khoi in Thong Tay Hoi Ward.

On Street D5, floodwater rose above motorcycle wheel level, making it difficult for motorcyclists to pass through the area.

Numerous motorcycles stalled in the deep water, forcing their riders to get off and push them.

Hoai Linh, a university student, said flooding is a frequent problem on the route whenever it rains.

“When the rain is mild, the water reaches halfway up the wheels,” he said.

“When it rains heavily, the water rises even higher, and commuters have to get off and push their motorcycles because they don't dare ride through.

“Whenever it rains during rush hour, this area becomes severely congested.”

The rain arrived just as commuters were heading home, causing prolonged traffic congestion at the busy Hang Xanh Intersection.

Long lines of motorcycles and cars stretched along the nearby streets, with vehicles inching forward through flooded streets in the heavy rain.