The midstream isle, which resurfaced on the morning of September 15 following the floods, remains muddied and cluttered with debris. 

Nearby, the “shanty town” adjacent to Long Bien Market is particularly affected, enveloped by trash and miscellaneous objects left behind by receding waters.

Water levels near the bridge columns, indicated by water gauges, have notably decreased from the days prior, reducing from a height of 7 to a more stable level. Despite this, the accumulation of upstream trash on the soil mounds of the midstream highlights ongoing pollution issues.

Large tree trunks lodged against the impact pillars of Long Bien Bridge serve as a stark reminder of the flood's intensity, left stranded as the water flow subsided.

Beneath Chuong Duong Bridge, in Phuc Tan ward of Hoan Kiem district, green patches are re-emerging, though many trees have succumbed to the flood. 

In the residential area along the riverbank in Phuc Tan ward, signs of flooding were still evident.

An exercise device still had mud on its handles, standing over 1.5 meters above the ground.

Mrs. Cao Thi Tho busily searched for usable items. She said that a few days ago, the area was submerged under about 6 meters more water than presently. Her house, situated on higher ground, did not require evacuation, but still suffered effects; water had swept many household and kitchen items into the river, causing damages estimated at a few million dong.

Along the riverbank, the local populace grapples with the flood's lasting marks, with household items and personal belongings swept away into the river, accruing damages in the millions of dong. Local laborers, including rickshaw drivers, motorbike taxis, porters, traders, and scrap collectors, are particularly hard-hit. Essential tools for their trades, fortunately preserved by being securely tied, were not carried off by the water, offering some relief amid the losses.

The fence separating the vegetable garden from the residences was knocked askew by the floodwaters.

The children's playground near the underpass of Long Bien Bridge is still covered by layers of mud several centimeters thick.

Residents of the Phuc Tan sandbank and municipal workers have been diligently cleaning up for three days since the water receded. The woman in the photo mentioned that a mattress discarded by locals in the trash collection area had to be cleaned up by her.

Traffic on Long Bien Bridge resumed on the afternoon of September 13, drawing onlookers who pause to observe the altered water levels of the Red River, a testament to the community's ongoing battle against natural calamities and their aftermath.

Hoang Vinh