On the afternoon of 22/11, traffic was backed up for over 20 km on national route 1, specifically the section passing through Deo Ca Pass in Dak Lak province (formerly Phu Yen).

Since this morning, the area north of Deo Ca Pass has experienced severe flooding, causing significant damage to national route 1. Consequently, traffic police temporarily closed the road to ensure safety.

The lanes on the national route were packed with vehicles, with cars inching forward towards the north.

Along the road, some volunteers distributed free meals to people and drivers waiting in the gridlock.

Approximately 40 km away, national route 1 through Tuy Hoa ward (formerly Tuy Hoa City) also experienced traffic jams stretching over 20 km. At the intersection of national route 1 and Tran Hung Dao street, police blocked the road towards TP HCM due to numerous flooded and landslide areas.

Vehicles were densely packed on national route 1 through Dong Hoa commune (formerly Phu Yen), Dak Lak. Many sections of the median strip were heavily damaged by floodwaters.

Hundreds of vehicles stopped and waited at the interchange of Van Phong Nha Trang Expressway and national route 1, near Co Ma tunnel, Khanh Hoa province.

Many impatient drivers stood and sat on the median strip of the national route, waiting for the jam to clear.

Driver Nguyen Van Cong reported that his furniture truck had been stopped on national route 1 since 1 AM. His trip from Cu Chi (TP HCM) to Ha Noi was interrupted by prolonged flooding and congestion. "We just have to bear with natural disasters. I am used to this job; I just hope everyone is safe," he said.

Meanwhile, Truong Minh Khoa's convoy requested a traffic police escort to promptly assist residents in the flood-stricken area of Hoa Thinh (Dak Lak).

Khoa stated that his convoy included six pickup trucks filled with food and medicine, along with six jet skis and canoes. After assisting residents of Tay Nha Trang ward, the convoy continued its journey to Phu Yen to deliver supplies and rescue people trapped in the floods.

Mrs. Hoa, who traveled by motorbike from Nha Trang to Van Ninh (about 80 km), cooked over 200 meals with her family to provide food for drivers stranded on national route 1.

Thanh Tung - Dinh Van - Bui Toan