Hanoi is grappling with significant flooding issues, with 220 identified flood-prone areas across the city. Recent heavy rainfall has caused water levels to rise as high as 70 cm in some locations, with flooding lasting between three to five days. According to Truong Hai Long, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction, the city’s drainage system is severely under-equipped to handle such extreme weather events, which have become more frequent due to climate change.

In 2025, the city experienced rainfall of 500-600 mm, exceeding the drainage system's design capacity by nearly 200%. This has resulted in 220 flood points, with 160 located in 35 wards and 60 in 24 communes. The inadequate drainage infrastructure, which currently operates at only 20% of its required capacity, has been identified as a primary cause of the flooding.

To address these issues, Hanoi is focusing on maintaining its drainage systems, deploying emergency response teams, and enhancing cooperation with irrigation systems. The city has initiated ten urgent projects and is expediting twelve additional projects aimed at improving drainage infrastructure in key areas such as Ta Nhue, Huu Nhue, Long Bien, and the western regions of the city.

After four months of construction, initial results show improvements in flood management, with reduced flooding duration in several areas. For instance, in the Vo Chi Cong and My Dinh areas, water levels have been observed to recede quickly after rainfall.

However, these improvements are just the beginning. Long-term solutions require comprehensive investment in drainage systems to ensure they are well-coordinated and capable of handling extreme weather conditions. The city is also exploring the 'sponge city' concept, which focuses on retaining, absorbing, and gradually releasing rainwater to enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

Hanoi's strategy includes developing a smart drainage management system and maintaining a robust emergency response framework. The city plans to continue investing in infrastructure improvements and technological applications to reduce both the number and severity of flood incidents.

As part of its ongoing efforts, Hanoi is accelerating twelve key drainage projects, focusing on critical pumping stations and drainage systems in various districts. The city aims to prioritize drainage solutions in areas such as the western districts, ensuring that new urban developments are integrated into the existing infrastructure to prevent exacerbating flooding risks.