22-5-2023 (Saigon) A prolonged heavy downpour for over an hour on the afternoon of May 21 resulted in severe flooding, with water levels rising over half a meter in several districts, including Go Vap, District 12, and Hoc Mon. Numerous vehicles stalled, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience.
Around noon, a thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall struck a wide area in Ho Chi Minh City. The prolonged downpour flooded major roads such as Le Duc Tho, Nguyen Van Khoi (in Go Vap district), Pham Van Chieu, and Phan Huy Ich (in District 12 and Hoc Mon district), submerging half of the wheels of vehicles.
Some areas experienced deep flooding, causing many vehicles to stall, while pedestrians struggled to find dry pathways. Several businesses had to close temporarily and elevated their merchandise to avoid water damage. Residents resorted to using hooks and plastic bags to clear blocked drains along the roads and alleviate the water accumulation.
According to Mr. Le Dinh Quyet, Deputy Head of the Forecasting Department at the Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Station, the cold air mass from China combined with the intensification of the high-pressure system led to the formation of a low-pressure trough, resulting in heavy rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City and the Southern provinces. The highest recorded rainfall was nearly 90mm in Hoc Mon district at 2 p.m.
The forecast predicts that the city will continue to experience evening showers and a decrease in temperatures in the coming days, providing relief from the scorching heat. However, early rainy season showers often bring thunderstorms and strong gusts of wind, necessitating caution and preparedness among the local residents.
