The Director of the Hanoi Construction Department, Nguyen Phi Thuong, has stated that flooding should only be classified when water levels exceed 30 cm and persist for more than 30 minutes. This definition comes in response to the recent rainfall on July 9, which caused water levels to rise to about 20 cm on Quang Trung Street, leading to localized flooding concerns.

During a recent session of the Hanoi People's Council, representative Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy pointed out the city's ongoing challenges with urban flooding management. She highlighted that the city's drainage management still has significant limitations, citing the injuries caused by open manholes during the July 9 rainfall. Thuy urged the Construction Department to clarify its strategies and enforce stronger regulations to effectively address these issues.

In his response, Thuong explained that the rainfall on July 9 was not substantial, with some areas receiving approximately 80 mm of rain. He emphasized that the water level on Quang Trung Street did not meet the criteria for flooding. The delay in drainage was attributed to the ongoing testing and handover phase of a flood prevention project, which has yet to be fully operational.

Furthermore, Thuong discussed the initiative to develop a 'sponge city' model to manage flooding more effectively. This approach aims to transition from rapid drainage to water retention, absorption, and reuse. While still under consideration, the department has established standards for permeable materials to facilitate future implementation.

In addressing the issue of frequently excavated sidewalks, Thuong noted that local authorities manage sidewalk maintenance. However, the department is currently working on undergrounding utility lines to minimize disruptions. This project is being piloted in three central districts before expanding to other areas.

The Construction Department has also reviewed the drainage infrastructure across 52 urban areas in the city, with 26 having completed their drainage systems. The city currently has 3,501 natural ponds, an increase from 2023, to help manage water retention and drainage.

Despite the improvements, representatives have expressed concerns about the existing drainage system's capacity, which currently meets only about 20% of the required standards due to extreme rainfall events exceeding design expectations. The city is working on updating its drainage planning to accommodate these changes and enhance its infrastructure.

As Hanoi prepares for future rainy seasons, city officials are committed to investing in emergency flood prevention projects and improving drainage capacity to mitigate flooding risks.