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The confrontation, as recorded by local residents and reported to police, saw a group of men using oars to fight against each other on the flooded Hung Vuong Street in Hue.
Boat operators clash with oars on flooded Hung Vuong Street in Hue City as competition for passengers intensifies during rising floodwaters. Video by Van An
Authorities confirmed later that all those involved are locals who were operating boats to transport residents for a fee.
The brawl erupted between two groups competing for passengers. Police said they will handle the incident in accordance with the law.
Hue City has faced consecutive floods since Oct. 27, with water levels in the Huong and Bo rivers repeatedly exceeding the third level, the highest.
Many streets are now deeply submerged, making boats the primary mode of transportation. Residents from surrounding areas have since last week brought boats into the inner-city area to ferry passengers for a fee.
Some passengers have reported overcharging. Fares range from VND200,000–300,000 (US$8–12) per person for trips of less than 500 meters, with some claiming they were charged as much as VND2 million for a 2-km journey.
