Massive traffic jams paralyzed Nguyen Tat Thanh Street from Khanh Hoi Bridge to Tan Thuan Bridge, as the city is experiencing a period of highest tides of the year.
The Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center forecasts the peak tides on Thursday and Friday to reach 1.72–1.78 meters on the Saigon River, nearly matching last year's record. Peaks are expected daily around 4–6 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.
Traffic snarled on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, the vital route linking the city’s center with its southern gateway, for over 2 km by 7:30 p.m., forcing motorcyclists onto sidewalks.
The street, one of the city's most congested, is slated for future upgrade and expansion under a recently approved plan to reclaim land from the Saigon Port area.
The congestion spread to Khanh Hoi Street, which runs parallel to Nguyen Tat Thanh, where vehicles were jammed for several hours over 2 km.
Many people pushed their motorbikes onto sidewalks, waiting for the water to recede before continuing their journey.
Vast flooding was also reported in the Mizuki Flora urban area in Binh Hung Commune in the former Binh Chanh District.
Water rose almost to the motorbike seats on Dang Thuy Tram Street, Binh Loi Trung Ward, which is in the former Binh Thanh District.
Stalled cars on Dang Thuy Tram Street are pushed to repair shops.
Several low-lying neighborhoods, including Thanh Da and Thao Dien, were also severely affected by the high tide.
High tide on Dang Thuy Tram Street.
While water levels are expected to recede quickly after reaching their peak, meteorological authorities warn they will remain high through Nov. 10.
The flooding risk in HCMC will be compounded by heavy rainfall over the next two days due to Typhoon Kalmaegi, and an active tropical convergence zone.
