On the morning of October 7, torrential rain and thunderstorms blanketed Hanoi, flooding numerous streets and paralyzing traffic across the capital. Around 7 AM, a powerful lightning strike lit up the sky over Van Quan Urban Area (Ha Dong Ward), captured on video by a local resident.

Watch the video: (Source: Nguyen Cuc)

The downpour began early in the morning and continued into the rush hour, turning Hanoi into a vast body of water. Several downtown streets experienced severe localized flooding. Many commuters struggled through knee-deep water, pushing stalled motorbikes while numerous cars broke down and lined the roads.

As residents navigated flooded streets in search of a safe route, the sky suddenly erupted with a massive lightning strike over Van Quan. The dramatic moment was recorded by Nguyen Cuc, who shared the footage online.

The Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration warned that Hanoi would continue to experience heavy rainfall in early October due to a tropical convergence zone, with heightened risks of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusts.

Authorities urged residents to avoid going outdoors during storms and to refrain from sheltering under large trees or near utility poles to ensure personal safety.

Updated list of 69 flooded areas in Hanoi as of October 7 morning:

To Lich Basin: Thuy Khue (Chu Van An School - La Pho Slope), Mac Thi Buoi, Minh Khai Street (under Vinh Tuy Bridge), Bui Xuong Trach (from No. 49 to No. 93), Huynh Thuc Khang (intersection with Nguyen Hong - Alley 14), Thanh Cong (in front of ward People's Committee headquarters).

Nhue River Basin: My Dinh - Thien Hien Intersection, Le Duc Tho (My Dinh Stadium Square), Phu Xa - Phuc Hoa Intersection, Duong Dinh Nghe - Nam Trung Yen (behind Keangnam), Vo Chi Cong (UDIC building), Hoang Quoc Viet (Electric Power University), Phan Van Truong (market gate - army barracks), Hoa Bang (Alley 99), Tran Cung (A38 gas station), Tran Binh (Mai Dich Ward People’s Committee to Hospital 19/8), Do Duc Duc (road to Mieu Dam), Nguyen Trai (University of Social Sciences and Humanities - even side, bus lane), Quan Nhan, Quang Trung (in front of Nguyen Hue High School), Quang Trung (opposite La Khe Station), Yen Nghia (from Yen Nghia Bus Station to Ba La Intersection), Xom Street (opposite Hai Phat Building), Le Loi - Tran Hung Dao (Hà Dong Market area), Quyet Thang Street, To Hieu (in front of the Tax Department and HUD3 Building), National Route 6 (Residential Groups 1 and 4, Yen Nghia Ward), TT18 Zone, Phu La Ward.

Long Bien Basin: Ngoc Lam Street (from Long Bien 1 Intersection to Gia Lam Urban Environment Enterprise), Duc Giang (from Duc Hoa Market to Alley 97), Dam Quang Trung Street (in front of and opposite Aeon Mall), Co Linh Street (in front of and opposite Long Bien Secondary School), and the train underpass on Thien Duc Street.

Y Nhuy