Water from the river and canals overflowed onto Hai Ba Trung, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Le Hong Phong (National Highway 91) streets, Binh Thuy market, and other areas, with flood levels reaching 0.2-0.4 m, disrupting travel and trade. At Ninh Kieu wharf, where the embankment has not been upgraded, the water stretched 200 m. On National Highway 91, passing through the city center, some areas were flooded by almost half a meter.
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High tide caused a deep collapse on Cach Mang Thang Tam street in Can Tho city center. Photo: Pham Trung |
High tide caused a deep collapse on Cach Mang Thang Tam street in Can Tho city center. Photo: Pham Trung
Nguyen Minh Gia, 55, who lives near Binh Thuy bridge, said the area has been flooded for the past three days. "The area in front of Binh Thuy communal house and Bui Huu Nghia street leading to the market is deeply flooded, significantly affecting daily life and business," he said, adding that this situation recurs for 4-5 days every year during the high tide season in September and October.
According to the Can Tho Hydrometeorological Station, the high tide on the evening of 11/9 was forecast to reach 2.08 m, remaining around 2 m on 12/9 before quickly receding. The flooding is attributed to the deteriorated old drainage system, causing water to back up onto the streets, coupled with the high water level of the Hau river overflowing the roadsides. Ninh Kieu wharf lacks a complete embankment, and some road surfaces are lower than the third-level tide warning, exacerbating the flooding.
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The Ninh Kieu wharf area was flooded on the morning of 11/9. Photo: Pham Trung |
The Ninh Kieu wharf area was flooded on the morning of 11/9. Photo: Pham Trung
The Can Tho City Project Management Board for Transport and Agriculture said it is preparing to upgrade the section of National Highway 91 that passes through the city center, hoping to resolve the deep flooding that occurs each high tide season. The city previously completed a system of embankments, dykes, sewers, and boat locks to prevent flooding with an investment of 9,200 billion VND, protecting 2,700 ha of the city center and over 420,000 residents.
In addition, the city will implement a new flood control project for 2,800 ha in Binh Thuy district and the old Ninh Kieu district, with a budget of 4,500 billion VND, expected to commence in 2026. The project includes three embankments totaling 8.2 km in length, 12 water control gates, and six tide prevention gates. Upon completion, the 5,500 ha city center will experience reduced flooding from heavy rain and high tides.
An Binh
