Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

By Nguyen Dong, Pham Chieu   September 10, 2024 | 11:37 pm PT
Hanoi is experiencing its most severe flooding in 20 years as the Red River has surpassed critical levels, prompting widespread evacuations and leaving thousands stranded and dependent on emergency aid.
Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

An Lac village cemetery in Soc Son District is submerged by Wednesday afternoon.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the Red River's water level in Hanoi rose to 10.86 meters on Wednesday morning and 11.1 m by noon.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said the level has reached the record of over 11 m in 2004.

Over the next 12 to 24 hours, the water level is expected to gradually decrease but will remain below the second warning level in the Long Bien area.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

Floodwaters from the Cau River began inundating An Lac Village on Tuesday, isolating around 1,000 households who are now reliant on relief teams for food supplies.

The Cau River flows through Hanoi, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

Residents of An Lac Village have resorted to using boats to navigate village roads, now submerged under more than half a meter of water.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

In Phuc Tan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, floodplains and parks along the Red River are deeply submerged, and local authorities have cordoned off these areas to prevent entry.

The Red River's water level under Long Bien Bridge rose to 10.5 meters on Tuesday night, which may lead to complacency among residents, a lack of preparedness, and challenges for local authorities in response efforts.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

Floodwaters from the Red River have also inundated residential areas in Phuc Tan Ward, near the base of Long Bien Bridge.

City authorities have issued warnings to seven inner-city districts, Tay Ho, Bac Tu Liem, Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Hoang Mai, Long Bien, and the outlying districts of Thanh Tri, Dong Anh, and Gia Lam.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

In Phuc Tan Ward of downtown Hoan Kiem, a man uses a boat to navigate streets at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

A woman wades through chest-high water in Phuc Tan Ward.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

Floodwaters have entered many homes in Phuc Tan Ward at the base of Long Bien Bridge.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

People move their belongings including a motorbike to safe places.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

Vinh, a retired official living in the ward, said this is the first time since 1996 that he has seen such flooding under Long Bien Bridge.

"The floodwaters rose quickly, increasing by 30 centimeters in just half an hour. Fortunately, the flood occurred during the day, so people were able to evacuate promptly," he said.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

In Alley No. 195 on Hong Ha Street in Hoan Kiem District, a girl was seen having breakfast in her flooded home.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

Many residents turned water barrels into makeshift rafts to transport belongings out of Phuc Tan Street.

During a meeting on Wednesday morning with authorities from Chuong Duong and Phuc Tan Wards, Pham Tuan Long, chairman of Hoan Kiem District, requested the evacuation of around 130 families with nearly 500 people. They will be temporarily relocated to The One apartment complex, with Hang Be market prepared as a precaution.

Long also called for other public places to be reviewed for potential use as evacuation centers.

Hanoians confront worst flooding in 20 years as Red River reaches critical levels

Residents brought motorbikes and belongings to the community center of Phuc Tan Ward for temporary storage, but the water had already risen halfway up their vehicles and continued to rise.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that satellite images and weather radar data show convective clouds developing over Hanoi in the aftermath of typhoon Yagi, causing rains. Strong convective clouds over Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces are expected to continue moving towards Hanoi. Over the next three hours, these clouds will bring showers and thunderstorms to Hanoi, potentially accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, and strong winds.

Typhoon Yagi entered Vietnam's waters on Sept. 3 and intensified into a super typhoon two days later, with maximum sustained winds reaching 201 kph. It made landfall on the northern coast last Saturday, packing winds of up to 149 kph. It is the most powerful storm in Asia this year and the strongest to hit Vietnam in three decades.

VnExpress has launched the campaign "To Weather the Storm" to help communities recover and rebuild livelihoods after typhoon Yagi. Click here to lend your support.

 
 
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