Hanoi expressway submerged by half a meter of water amid widespread flooding in northern Vietnam

Water has overflowed onto the expressway on the side leading from Thai Nguyen Province to Hanoi since 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, flooding over 100 meters of the road.

Some low-clearance vehicles were unable to move, and several cars broke down, requiring rescue efforts. Local traffic police had to wade through the water to assist vehicles.

One section of the expressway was submerged by half a meter.

By Friday morning, the water had overflowed across the median and into the opposite lanes, though it had not yet significantly affected traffic in the direction from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen.

 

 

Hanoi expressway submerged by half a meter of water amid widespread flooding in northern Vietnam

Cao tốc Hà Nội - Thái Nguyên ngập nửa mét, hạn chế xe di chuyển

Authorities continued to manage traffic remotely, allowing only trucks and high-clearance vehicles to pass, while low-clearance vehicles were advised to take alternate routes for safety.

Traffic police suggested that four-seat cars and low-clearance vehicles traveling from Thai Nguyen to Hanoi take an alternate route through the Yen Binh Overpass in Thai Nguyen, turn right at the Phuong Tre intersection, cross the Xuan Cam Bridge in Da Phuc Commune, and then rejoin the expressway at the Bac Phu Interchange or head towards Soc Son Commune.

According to the Northern Meteorological and Hydrological Station, water levels in the Cau and Ca Lo rivers continue to rise, following days of heavy rainfall triggered by Typhoon Matmo, causing flooding in low-lying areas, riverbeds, and along riverbanks. The flooding situation is expected to persist for two to four days.

Flooding is also threatening embankments, underpasses, bridges, culverts, and roads in riverside communes on the outskirts of Hanoi, including Trung Gia, Da Phuc, Soc Son, Thu La, Phuc Thinh, Quang Minh, Tien Thang, and Noi Bai.

Thai Nguyen and several provinces north of Hanoi, including Bac Ninh, Lang Son and Cao Bang, have been hit by days of severe flooding under the impacts of Typhoon Matmo, which hit southern China on Monday.

Floodwaters overflows into Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway on the morning of Oct. 10, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung