A torrential overnight rainstorm submerged many streets across Hanoi on the morning of August 26. Commuters and parents bringing children to school faced severe hardship. Several workplaces were forced to close or allow remote work to cope with the situation.

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Heavy rains from storm number 5 submerged the city. Photo: Dinh Hieu

This morning, numerous roads throughout Hanoi were submerged in deep water, making it extremely difficult for thousands of residents to reach offices and schools. The familiar sight of stalled vehicles and people wading through murky floodwater played out once again - an unfortunate hallmark of the rainy season.

By early August 26, common flood-prone areas like Nam Tu Liem, Ha Dong, Thanh Xuan, and Hoang Mai were inundated with water depths ranging from 30 to 50 centimeters. On Nguyen Xien, Truong Chinh, Luong The Vinh, and Nguyen Trai streets, water levels reached halfway up motorcycle wheels, leaving vehicles stranded in every direction. Many people had to push their motorbikes hundreds of meters to find dry spots for repair.

Nguyen Thu Ha, an office worker from Thanh Xuan Ward, shared, “I left home earlier than usual, but at the Khuat Duy Tien - Nguyen Trai intersection, my motorbike stalled in the flood. I had to push it while calling the office to request working online. With the roads like this, getting to work on time is impossible.”

Many commuters reported taking long, roundabout routes on smaller streets, doubling or tripling their normal travel distances. Some had to wade through water to reach a bus stop or pay high taxi fares.

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Photo: The Bang

Tran Minh Quan, an engineer in My Dinh, said, “I waded through calf-deep water just to reach the alleyway entrance. My motorbike couldn’t move, so I had no choice but to take a taxi. Normally, I’d pay around 100,000 VND (about $4), but today it cost nearly 250,000 VND (about $10.50) due to traffic congestion and flooding.”

Trinh Minh Hanh from Dinh Cong Ward lamented, “My child and I had to walk nearly 2 kilometers to school this morning. Our shoes, bags, and clothes were soaked. My child cried for being late, and I was anxious about making it to the office. Every time it rains, it feels like torture.”

In response, some companies quickly issued remote work notices to employees, helping them avoid the chaos of flooded streets.

Nguyen Hong Nhung, a communications officer, shared, “When I woke up, I had no idea how bad the flooding was. But I saw an email from my manager allowing remote work. It’s a smart move, especially when the city’s drainage infrastructure remains so inadequate.”

Nguyen Minh Duc, an IT worker in Cau Giay Ward, added, “Around 7 a.m., my manager texted the whole team to work from home. It was a sensible decision. I looked outside and saw the street completely submerged. Going out would’ve been both risky and futile.”

Hanoi’s chronic flooding during heavy rains has become a longstanding issue. Despite ongoing drainage projects, the city’s infrastructure has yet to keep pace with rapid urbanization. Just one major downpour is enough to turn central roads into rivers, severely affecting urban life and economic activities.

Residents suggest that, in addition to long-term drainage solutions, the city needs more flexible contingency plans, such as early warnings, traffic regulation, or encouraging remote work to reduce commuting pressure during flood-prone days.

Severely flooded streets in Hanoi on August 26 include:

Cao Ba Quat, Phan Boi Chau - Ly Thuong Kiet intersection, Ton Dan, Hoa Bang (lane 99), My Dinh - Thien Hien intersection, Tran Binh (from Mai Dich Ward People's Committee to 19/8 Hospital), Vo Chi Cong (UDIC Building), Yen Duyen (Ring Road 3), Hoang Mai Street (from lane 169 to Hoang Van Thu Ward People's Committee), Nguyen Chinh Street (from lane 74 to Tan Mai drainage canal).

Other impassable spots included Den Lu 2.5 Street (next to Den Lu Lake), lane 165 Thai Ha, Thanh Cong Green Market, Thien Duc Railway Underpass, To Huu Street (from Luong The Vinh to Trung Van), Nguyen Trai (University of Social Sciences and Humanities - even-numbered side bus lane), Do Duc Duc (road to Mieu Dam), Quan Nhan, Thang Long Boulevard underpasses 3, 5, 6, and Km9+656.

The flooded areas also extended to General Department V - Ministry of Public Security area, Nguyen Xien Street (from Nguyen Trai - Nguyen Xien intersection to lane 214), Trieu Khuc (opposite University of Transport and Communications), Ngoc Hoi (houses 611–673), Trieu Khuc (lane 97 to Ao Dinh), Le Loi - Tran Hung Dao (Hanoi market area).

Quang Trung Street (from Phan Dinh Giot intersection to Le Trong Tan intersection), in front of Nguyen Hue High School, and opposite La Khe Station were also impassable.

Also flooded were residential clusters 1 and 4 of Yen Nghia Ward, Xom Street (opposite Hai Phat Building), Yen Nghia (from Yen Nghia Bus Station to Ba La intersection), Quyet Thang Street, TT18 Residential Area in Phu La Ward.

Y Nhuy