VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi Construction Department has identified 23 flood hot spots in the city.


HTML clipboard Truong Chinh Street in Ha Noi is submerged after a heavy downpour last July. Some 23 other localities in the city are at risk of flooding in this year's rainy season. (Photo: VNS)
When rainfall exceeds 100mm, major intersections in the centre of the city such as Tran Hung Dao and Phan Chu Trinh, Ly Thuong Kiet and Phan Boi Chau, and Ba Trieu and Nguyen Du, among others, are expected to flood.


Le Duc Duc, deputy director of the department, said the city's waterways and sewerage system had become choked with rubbish and silt, which exacerbates the risk of flooding in the rainy season.


Nine ongoing construction projects in particular have been reported to have a negative impact on the city's drainage system by clogging the nearby rivers and canals. Hao Nam, Thuy Khue, Ngoc Ha and Thuy Phuong canals and Kim Nguu and Set rivers have been notably impacted by construction debris.


Luu Trong Quynh, a resident of Kim Ma Ward where the water flow has been blocked by ongoing construction of a new road, said local residents were annoyed as dirty water from the canal flooded the road on rainy days.


Duc said the department had instructed investors to speed up progress of their construction projects while ensuring clear flows in nearby canals and rivers.


The department, together with drainage companies and local authorities, has been asked to promptly inspect drainage systems, especially the parts passing through these ongoing construction works.


Four projects would face initial inspections this month, including the Cat Linh-La Thanh-Lang road construction project; the Yen Son pumping project; the Khuat Duy Tien-Nguyen Trai road project; and the western West Lake project.


"Those who encroach or discharge building rubbish into the canals and rivers will have their project suspended," Duc said.

According to department officials, the city now has 56 lakes that help relieve flooding. The city also has access to pumps, the largest of which can drain 90cu. m of water per second.


Drainage systems are being repaired and key parts of the systems were being upgraded to cope with flooding before the end of this month.


When the city's sewerage projects, valued at VND6.3 trillion (US$302 million), were completed in time for onset of the monsoon season, the drainage system will be able to cope with 310mm of rainfall over a two-day period.


VietNamNet/Viet Nam News