In central areas of Truong Vinh and Thanh Vinh wards, including Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Phong Dinh Cang, Nguyen Van Cu, Hong Bang, and Road 32, water levels reached 30-40 cm, nearly covering the wheels of 5-seater cars. This forced many motorcyclists to dismount and push their vehicles.

Road 32 saw water levels exceeding 30 cm, causing many cars to turn back on the morning of 19/9. *Photo: Hung Le*

Dinh Nho Phu Quy, 34, from Bich Hao commune, encountered the flooding firsthand. Driving his 5-seater car to Truong Vinh ward for work at 9 h, he halted upon seeing water 30 cm deep on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, fearing his engine would stall.

"I had to call a tow truck to get my vehicle through the flooded 50 m stretch so I could continue my work", Quy stated, noting that numerous other drivers had also turned around to seek alternative routes.

Roads surrounding the Tecco Ben Thuy apartment complex were flooded past half the height of vehicle wheels. *Photo: Hung Le*

Many motorcyclists were forced to walk their bikes for one to two kilometers. Some drivers who attempted to cross the flooded sections found their engines stalled, requiring them to call for rescue or assistance from local authorities.

On Ly Thuong Kiet street, water outside rose 20-30 cm. A passing car created strong waves that toppled the basement barrier door of a nearby apartment complex, allowing water to surge inside. Residents reported that several cars and motorcycles, unable to be moved quickly, became submerged, with some vehicles needing to be crane-lifted to safety.

By 11 h, residents on Nguyen Duy Trinh street saw water inundating their yards and kitchens, with some areas reaching 30 cm deep. They were busily elevating furniture and electrical appliances to avoid damage. Nguyen Thi Thuy, 57, expressed concern: "If the rain persists, water could rise another 10-20 cm, making it difficult for my family to manage."

Authorities deployed personnel to flooded areas to manage traffic, warn residents, and clear drainage systems. As of 13 h, rain continued in Vinh, leaving many road sections submerged under 20-30 cm of water, with some low-lying areas experiencing nearly half a meter of flooding.

Water inundates homes on Nguyen Duy Trinh street. *Photo: Hung Le*

According to the Nghe An Provincial Hydro-Meteorological Center, the province received 10-40 mm of rain over the past 24 hours, while Vinh alone recorded 63,2 mm in three hours. The forecast for 19/9 predicts continued moderate rain, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Expected rainfall ranges from 30-60 mm, with isolated spots exceeding 80 mm, increasing the risk of flooding in urban and low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, Thanh Sen, a central ward in Ha Tinh province, also experienced heavy rainfall from the early morning of 19/9. This led to localized flooding of 20-30 cm on central streets such as Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Du, and Le Ninh, with some areas reaching nearly half a meter deep, severely impacting travel. The water had receded by noon.

Duc Hung