Hanoi has been experiencing torrential rains that have caused severe flooding in various areas, significantly impacting transportation and daily activities. According to Dr. Truong Ba Kien, Deputy Director of the Meteorology and Climate Research Center, the recent deluge is primarily due to a combination of meteorological factors, rapid urbanization, and inadequate drainage infrastructure.

Over the past week, Hanoi and several regions in Northern and Central Vietnam have witnessed heavy to very heavy rainfall, leading to widespread inundation. Dr. Kien explained that the persistent rain is linked to the activity of the tropical convergence zone, tropical depressions, and the continuous influx of moisture from the East Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin.

The rainfall began intensifying around September 12-13, with the convergence zone initially affecting Central Vietnam before shifting northward to include Hanoi. Despite the tropical depression dissipating, the remaining weather patterns continued to bring significant moisture into the region.

Between September 14 and 17, many areas in Hanoi recorded cumulative rainfall exceeding 400-500mm, with some locations like Yen So receiving approximately 570.8mm. This prolonged rainfall has overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, which were already saturated from previous days of rain.

As a result, on the morning of September 17, many streets in Hanoi were severely flooded, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to navigate. The high water levels in surrounding rivers, including the Nhue River, have also surpassed warning levels, exacerbating the flooding situation.

Dr. Kien emphasized that the flooding is not solely due to the intensity of the rainfall at any given moment but rather the cumulative effect of continuous rain and the high water levels in drainage systems. He noted that the rapid urbanization in Hanoi, coupled with the lack of synchronized development in drainage and water retention infrastructure, has significantly increased the risk of flooding.

In response to the flooding, the Hanoi Department of Construction has announced traffic management measures for affected areas, particularly in Kiều Phú, Quốc Oai, Phú Cát, An Khánh, and Hưng Đạo. Some roads, such as Route 421B, are reported to be submerged under nearly 90cm of water, prompting authorities to restrict vehicle access to ensure safety.