Extreme weather, especially abnormally heavy rain, has been increasingly frequent in HCMC this year as a result of climate change, according to the HCMC Steering Center of the Urban Flood Control Program (SCFC).

A man bails water out of his house which is flooded after a heavy rain in HCMC. HCMC is among the top 10 cities in the world most vulnerable to climate change

Data of SCFC shows that in the year to date, HCMC has witnessed eight downpours of more than 100 millimeters and 41 heavy rains of more than 50 millimeters, a two-fold increase compared to the average of the 2009-2015 period.

Heavy rains have flooded many areas of the city. Particularly, the heaviest rain this year, which occurred on October 12 with rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, heavily inundated 12 roads. Another rain of more than 70 millimeters the following day also made 15 roads in the city flooded.

Speaking to the Daily, Nguyen Minh Giam, deputy director of the southern weather center, said the increasing frequency of extreme weather  events in HCMC in recent times is a result of climate change and fast pace of urbanization.

According to a report of the Asian Development Bank, HCMC is among the top 10 cities in the world most vulnerable to climate change.

In the coming time, HCMC will be at increasing risk of extreme climatic events such as heavy rains and flood tides, which would inundate 20% of the city’s land area, and unpredictable hot weather.  

Flooding, salt intrusion and rising sea levels have put negative impacts on the city’s production activities, fresh water supply, infrastructure development and the people’s livelihood.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, HCMC will have to carry out thorough and timely solutions. The city has plans to invest VND10 trillion (more than US$440 million) in 36 flood-control projects until 2020.

Notably, climate change will affect not only HCMC but also many other localities in Vietnam. The country would lose around 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) due to climate change, with 10-12% of its population affected.

SGT