Floodwaters rose rapidly in Hue, submerging streets and prompting school closures and mass evacuations.
Torrential rains have triggered the fourth consecutive flood in Hue, with water levels on key rivers rising sharply and inundating several low-lying areas. Emergency warning sirens across the city were activated early Monday morning as the situation worsened.
Several neighborhoods in Hue were underwater again on the morning of November 17. Photo: N.D
On the morning of November 17, widespread rain caused rapid flooding across urban districts in Hue. Areas such as An Cuu, Vy Da, Thuan Hoa, and Hoa Chau wards were once again submerged, prompting frantic efforts by residents to relocate belongings and move cars and motorbikes to higher ground.
The citywide disaster warning system was activated after water levels on the Huong and Bo Rivers exceeded emergency thresholds.
According to the Sub-Department of Irrigation and Climate Change (under Hue’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), from the evening of November 15 through 6 a.m. on November 17, rainfall was extremely heavy. Rainfall levels ranged from 100–200 mm in lowland areas and reached 400–550 mm in the mountains. Some areas recorded even higher levels, such as Binh Dien (605 mm) and Hong Thai in A Luoi district (612 mm).
The Huong River at Kim Long Station reached 2.64 meters - 0.64 meters above level 2 alert. Meanwhile, the Bo River at Phu Oc Station peaked at 4.91 meters, surpassing level 3 alert by 0.41 meters.
Rising waters along the Nhu Y River submerged nearby roads. Photo: N.D
Residents scrambled to move vehicles and belongings to higher ground. Photo: N.D
Along the Nhu Y River, water surged over its banks, further worsening the situation in adjacent areas.
As floodwaters continued to rise, local schools were ordered to close. The Department of Education and Training in Hue announced that all students and teachers in affected areas would be off for the day on November 17. Schools in flood-free areas continued operations as normal.
Weather forecasts indicate the situation may worsen. Between November 17 and the morning of November 19, Hue is expected to receive another 150–300 mm of rain in lowland areas, with some places exceeding 400 mm. Mountain regions could see 200–400 mm, with isolated areas over 500 mm.
In preparation, Hue has mobilized a massive emergency response force: over 5,900 military personnel from the City Command, 2,000 police officers, and 400 border guards, along with specialized rescue equipment.
Disaster information systems have also been activated to keep residents continuously informed.
Emergency supplies are ready, including 20 tons of rice, 4,000 boxes of instant noodles, and 100,000 bottles of drinking water, to support flood prevention and response.
In neighboring Quang Tri province, fast-rising water from the upper Dakrong River submerged four villages in Huong Hiep commune, with some areas under a meter of water.
Swift-flowing floodwaters cut off roads in Huong Hiep commune, Quang Tri. Photo: G.X
Deep floodwaters inundated homes in Ha Loc village, Nam Hai Hang commune. Photo: G.X
Nguyen Van Dat, Chairman of the Huong Hiep Commune People’s Committee, told VietNamNet that freshly harvested rice stored in homes was soaked, and several livestock were swept away by floodwaters.
Local authorities are racing to relocate households from high-risk areas and have blocked off flooded low-water crossings. The province is strictly implementing the "four-on-the-spot" disaster response approach.
In Ha Loc village, Nam Hai Hang commune, deep water flowed into homes. Nguyen Thi Hai, a resident, said the floodwaters began rising rapidly around midnight on November 16, submerging areas up to a meter deep.
Water levels on the Thach Han River remain high, and residents are stacking belongings on raised platforms to avoid further losses.
Vietnamnet.vn
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