Hanoi Struggles With Severe Flooding After Typhoon Bualoi
Hà Nôi has faced severe flooding due to Typhoon Bualoi, with many areas receiving exceptional rainfall. The city's drainage system struggled to cope, leading to widespread disruption on Tuesday. The Department of Construction has apologised and acknowledged responsibility.
The rainfall intensity surpassed the drainage system's capacity, designed for a maximum of 310mm over two days. Ô Chọ Dừa recorded 527.2mm, while Hai Bà Trừng had 407.7mm. Contingency plans were swiftly activated, including lowering water levels in lakes and mobilising personnel and equipment. Teams worked tirelessly to address the aftermath, focusing on heavily flooded locations.
Incomplete and unsynchronised drainage infrastructure, particularly in newly built urban areas, exacerbated the flooding. The system lacks proper connection to the wider city network. The Capital's Ground Level and Drainage Master Plan aims to strengthen resilience by incorporating climate change scenarios. However, many key works and retention lakes face delays, leaving the city vulnerable to extreme weather.
The Hanoi municipal government, specifically the People's Committee, is responsible for developing long-term solutions. Proposed projects include underground water tanks under public land and parks, as well as upgraded pumping stations. The city must prioritise these projects to mitigate future flooding risks and ensure Hà Nôi's resilience against extreme weather.
