Rainfall has been persistent from the morning of October 26 through today, October 27, combined with flood discharge from upstream hydropower dams, causing the Hoai River to rise rapidly and spill into the heart of Hoi An’s ancient quarter.

By midday on October 27, several central streets such as Bach Dang, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa, Nguyen Hoang, Nguyen Phuc Chu, and La Hoi were submerged under 1 to 1.5 meters of muddy floodwater.

The water surged through narrow alleys and poured into centuries-old homes, leaving residents rushing to lift belongings and pile sandbags at doorways in an attempt to block the flow.

At the Hoi An market area and An Hoi Bridge, the water current became swift and dangerous.

Local authorities stationed personnel at key sites to assist residents, post warning signs, and guide tourists out of flooded zones.

Many households were forced to use small boats to navigate the submerged streets, while the rain showed no signs of letting up.

“We’ve grown used to living with floods, but this year the water rose so fast,” said Nguyen Thi Hue, a 62-year-old resident of Hoi An Ward. “In just a few hours, the whole street turned into a river.”

Phung Chau, 70, living on Tran Quy Cap Street, recalled the night of October 26 when the Hoai River rose sharply, flooding homes and the ancient streets.

“My family had to stay up all night moving furniture upstairs to avoid damage,” he said. “This is the first major flood of 2025, and it’s already higher than all the floods we had last year.”

Inside a souvenir shop on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, shopkeeper Thanh Thuy was hurriedly moving items to safety.

“We had just opened in the morning, and water was already pouring in,” she said. “This whole area is now half a meter underwater. The rain keeps coming, and I’m worried it’ll rise even more. It’s exhausting, but we’re used to it by now.”

According to Hoi An Ward’s People’s Committee, at 4 a.m. on October 27, floodwaters reached 1.78 meters and are forecast to exceed emergency level 3 within the next 12 to 24 hours.

Local authorities have set up warning ropes in low-lying and deeply flooded areas.

If the flooding continues, emergency evacuation plans will be activated to protect lives and property.

Residents have been advised to avoid traveling through submerged areas to prevent accidents, including the risk of drowning.

Ha Nam