After Typhoon Yagi made landfall in the North, Hanoi is experiencing prolonged heavy rains, making the risk of widespread flooding real. According to the forecast of the Hydrometeorological Station of the Northern Delta and Midlands, from September 10, 2024, Hanoi will continue to experience rainfall ranging from 80 - 250 mm, even exceeding 300 mm in some places. In this situation, the Hanoi Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue has issued an emergency flood warning, especially on major rivers such as the Red River, Da River and Duong River.
In suburban districts such as Chuong My, Phuc Tho, Thanh Oai, Ung Hoa, the risk of flooding has been warned at a high level. Riverbank areas: Dong Anh, Soc Son, Me Linh and some low-lying alluvial areas in Hoan Kiem, Long Bien, Tay Ho districts are also on the list of flood risks. Meanwhile, in the inner city, many streets such as Vinh Hung, Thai Ha, Quan Nhan and areas near To Lich and Cau Bay rivers have begun to experience localized flooding.
Many streets are flooded 50-60cm deep.
Not only affecting traffic, floods also caused serious damage to agricultural production. Preliminary reports showed that nearly 25,000 hectares of rice were flooded, more than 4,000 hectares of vegetables and 3,900 hectares of fruit trees were flooded. Many livestock households also suffered losses with thousands of livestock and poultry dead or lost. Meanwhile, major roads such as Thang Long Avenue, Vo Chi Cong, and Duong Dinh Nghe were also flooded, seriously affecting traffic and people's lives.
Vehicles swimming in the floodwaters at rush hour
The complicated developments of the flood situation in the North in September 2024 brought back painful memories of the historic flood in Hanoi in 2008. Although more than 15 years have passed, the image of Hanoi submerged in water, with chaotic traffic and huge losses of life and property is still haunting for many people. At that time, Hanoi experienced a record rainstorm, with rainfall measured at nearly 500 mm in Ha Dong district, breaking all records since 1978.
Heavy rains submerged the entire city, with more than 60 areas severely flooded across the area. Traffic was completely paralyzed, thousands of vehicles were submerged and damaged. The power system was cut off, many inner and outer city areas were isolated, making people's lives very difficult.
Hanoians recall memories of the historic flood in 2008
Currently, in the face of the complicated situation of floods and rains, the authorities of Hanoi have deployed a series of prevention measures. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of the city requires districts, towns and cities to strictly implement the instructions of the Central Government and the city, and at the same time learn from previous natural disasters to ensure the safety of the people. Rescue forces have been mobilized to the maximum, especially in areas at risk of drowning, landslides and flooding.
However, with rainfall forecast to continue to increase and river water levels rising, Hanoi is facing a major challenge in protecting people and property. Proactive prevention and preparedness are essential to minimize damage in the coming days of floods. People need to be vigilant, follow the instructions of authorities, and prepare for the worst possible scenarios.
