Australian filmmaker documents Hanoi's surreal calm amid historic flooding

Downpours triggered by Typhoon Bualoi submerged major roads and brought traffic to a standstill for more than a day.

Thousands were stranded with their vehicles, with the disruptions stretching late into night.

Tomich said: "I wanted to see the city change in just a few hours. As a filmmaker, I couldn't miss this moment."

He wrapped his gear to keep it dry and steered clear of deep water and strong currents.

Everywhere he went streets were swamped and vehicles half-submerged, but Hanoians moved unhurriedly through the water.

People find their way home when heavy rains flood streets in Hanoi on Sept. 30, 2025. Photo by Carl Tomich

One scene stayed with him: a tiny café was open with customers sipping tea and chatting as chaos swirled around them.

"It was a strange scene I'll never forget—outside was chaos, inside life continued as if nothing happened," he said.

Tomich is no stranger to floods since his hometown Cairns is regularly hit by storms and heavy rainfall but he noticed a marked difference in attitudes.

"In Australia, people panic and rush to stock up before a storm, even though houses are built to withstand it."

He first experienced flooding in Vietnam in 2016 soon after arriving in Da Nang.

"The water was waist-deep, but people did not panic," he said.

That resilience drew him back repeatedly. He returned in late 2023, and five months ago moved to Hanoi, which he now prefers to Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang or Da Nang for its blend of tradition and modernity.

He loves the old quarter, lakes and cafés tucked down narrow alleys, and above all the resilience of its people.

Life in Hanoi has changed him, he said.

"I was used to a very structured life in Australia. Hanoi taught me how to find peace in the midst of chaos and to appreciate the value of community."

 

 

Australian filmmaker documents Hanoi's surreal calm amid historic flooding

Khách Tây đội mưa ghi lại kỷ niệm Hà Nội chìm trong biển nước