After dropping off a passenger in Long Binh ward on the evening of 21/9, Minh, a ride-hailing driver, was driving his car along the provincial road towards Bien Hoa city center. As he crossed the 4-meter-wide Loc Lam bridge over the San Mau stream, his car was suddenly hit by a torrent of water caused by heavy rain. Within seconds, the vehicle plunged into a hole, was lifted, and swept downstream. Panicked, Minh escaped through the car door and clung to a clump of bamboo along the bank.

The car was swept away by the floodwaters into a clump of bamboo. Photo: Provided by local residents

Hearing his cries for help, Dinh Cong Khoe, a local resident, and Nguyen Van Huy, head of neighborhood 35 in Long Binh ward, rushed to the scene. Seeing Minh trapped about 50 meters from the bank, Huy and several others waded through the water, following a water pipe, and helped the driver to safety. The car, swept over 100 meters downstream, was recovered by rescue forces a day later.

According to residents, the Loc Lam bridge consists of two smaller bridges, only 10 meters apart, connecting Long Binh ward with Trang Dai ward. Whenever heavy rain causes flooding of more than one meter, residents are unable to cross. Numerous accidents have occurred over the years.

"There have been at least two incidents of cars being swept away in this area, and countless motorbikes. Fortunately, most people have been rescued by residents," Huy said, adding that the neighborhood deploys guards to the bridge area during heavy rain for safety.

Huy recounts the moment he rescued the driver from the floodwaters. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

About 2 kilometers from Loc Lam bridge, the Trang Dai market intersection has become the most severely flooded area in the ward for the past two years. Every heavy downpour causes water levels to rise over half a meter, transforming the area into a "river" and submerging numerous shops and houses.

During two downpours on the evening of 21/9 and the morning of 22/9, dozens of stalled vehicles were scattered across the area, several people fell, and students were swept away by floodwaters on the road.

Pham Tien Tung, 42, owner of a clothing shop in the area, explained that the intersection acts as a collection point for water from many alleys, turning it into a "water pocket" during heavy rain. Despite warnings, many motorcyclists still attempt to cross, leading to stalls, falls, and requiring assistance from residents to reach safety.

"On the afternoon of 22/9, a woman and her daughter were riding home from school when they were knocked over by the water and nearly swept away. Fortunately, people on both sides of the road rushed out to help them, but their books, clothes, and belongings were soaked," Tung recounted.

Kim Lien, 36, a vegetable vendor in the area, said that the low-lying terrain and inadequate drainage system result in flooding with every rainfall. Residents have resigned themselves to "living with floods" for the past few years.

According to Lien, Tran Van Xa and Nguyen Phuc Chu streets are the main routes to Bien Hoa city center. But when flooding occurs, traffic becomes congested, water enters homes, and property is damaged.

Residents of Trang Dai ward also dread passing through alley 68 on Dong Khoi street. After each downpour, water from the residential area rushes into the alley, creating a torrent like a waterfall. Motorbikes and pedestrians are forced to stop due to the danger.

"We have raised the floor of our houses multiple times and installed barriers to block the water, but passing cars create waves that overflow into our homes. Even after raising the floor higher, we still experience flooding, and the cleanup is exhausting," Linh, a small business owner living in the alley, lamented.

Two years ago, the former Bien Hoa City People's Committee allocated 27 billion VND for a flood control project, but according to local residents, the project only partially addressed the issue.

According to Nguyen Phong Phu, head of the Trang Dai ward Economic Infrastructure Department, the area was primarily agricultural land in the past, allowing for easy drainage. However, rapid urbanization and inadequate investment in the drainage system, which is both small and outdated, have led to flooding during every rainfall.

The area around Loc Lam bridge and San Mau stream experiences even more severe flooding due to the strong flow of water from upstream. The narrow stream, with sections encroached upon, further restricts the flow.

To mitigate flooding, the Trang Dai ward People's Committee is collaborating with the provincial Project Management Board to dredge San Mau stream. Upon completion, water from Trang Dai and Long Binh wards will flow into the Dong Nai river more quickly.

"However, a comprehensive plan is needed to address the low-lying roads and residential areas effectively," Phu said.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Construction, said that the old Bien Hoa area, especially Trang Dai ward, has experienced significant flooding during recent heavy rains. The Department has requested relevant departments to collaborate with local authorities to assess these areas, identify the causes, and develop long-term flood control solutions to ensure the safety of residents.

Phuoc Tuan