In Vietnam, whenever the monsoon season rolls into, most of locals and expats alike are well-aware and prepared for the obligatory floods that threaten to disrupt daily life, but not enough. A heavy rain last night has submerged many parts of Saigon underwater.
Last night Oct 03, 2018, a heavier than usual downpours flood HCMC area, from D. 12, Tan Binh, Binh Thanh, Thu Duc and Go Vap | Image source: vnexpress.net
HCMC ranks among the top 10 cities in the world most likely to be severely affected by climate change. The city’s flood management system is at the edge of its capacity. | Image source: vnexpress.net
During the rainy season residents are confronted with flooding in the low lying areas and also in the central districts. The problems occur between August and December; at spring tide twice a month for several days in a row and twice daily. | Image source: vnexpress.net
The main causes of flooding are high tide, heavy rain and high discharge from the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers combined with strong urbanisation. The flooding causes inconvenience and damages and needs a swift solution. Land subsidence and increase of sea level rise and heavy rain due to climate change contribute to an even more difficult situation. | Image source: vnexpress.net
The city’s $440 million anti-flood project is scheduled for completion in April next year, and should save around 6.5 million people, or more than half of the city’s population, from constant flooding. | Image source: vnexpress.net
But there have been concerns over delays as site clearance is not moving along as quickly as expected. | Image source: vnexpress.net
As the monsoon season rolls into Vietnam, most residents, locals and foreigners alike are well-aware and prepared for the obligatory floods that threaten to disrupt daily life. Image source: vnexpress.net
n previous years parts of Ho Chi Minh City managed to escape the floods due to varying reasons from having a better drainage system or being blessed at being on higher ground. Image source: vnexpress.net