Brian Jeffrey
Recent heavy rainfall in areas upstream has led to alarming increases in river water levels around Hanoi, prompting authorities to issue flood alerts. As rivers swell, some may soon reach flood level three.
On September 10th at around 5 PM, both the Hong River and Duong River displayed significantly rising water levels. The once visible grassy areas in the Hong River were now completely submerged, raising concerns about the safety of bridges in the vicinity. Photo by Hoang Ha
The junction of the Hong and Duong rivers in Hanoi is experiencing rapid water level increases. Drone footage from September 10th reveals turbulent waters rushing downstream. Photo: Hoang Ha
By 5 PM on September 10, the only remaining visible feature in the midstream of the Red River was a small cluster of trees, as floodwaters have completely submerged nearby areas. Photo: Hoang Ha
Regions such as Phuc Xa, Tu Lien, Nghia Dung, Nhat Tan, and Phu Thuong in the Ba Dinh and Tay Ho districts are increasingly flooded, altering their familiar landscapes. Photo: Hoang Ha
The Duong River, near the Dong Tru Bridge, has risen so high that it’s almost covering local rice fields as of the afternoon of September 10. Photo: Hoang Ha
Concerns are mounting among residents along the Duong River in Long Bien District as upstream waters surge towards the city. Many younger individuals are witnessing such extreme water levels for the first time.
In comparison, older residents recall the devastating flood of 1971, which forced many to seek refuge on rooftops. “I haven’t seen anything like this in years,” one local stated, as the vicinity near the Duong Bridge continues to erode beneath the growing water. Photo: Hoang Ha
At the Duong River by the Duong Bridge, significant erosion is occurring from the strong currents. Photo: Hoang Ha
The visuals of water swirling around the piers of the Duong Bridge highlight the intensity of the current. Photo: Hoang Ha
While the situation is urgent in Hanoi, surrounding provinces are also on high alert. In Phu Tho, where the Hong River merges with the Lo River close to Viet Tri city, alarming water levels have emerged, with no dry land visible along the banks. Authorities fear that the bridges may soon be threatened by the rising waters. Photo: Hoang Ha
As of the afternoon on September 10th, the heavy rainfall in Viet Tri had eased, but stormy clouds lingered. River currents remained fierce, and water levels are expected to continue rising for the next 24 to 48 hours. Photo: Hoang Ha
In some areas, the Lo River’s strong flow has spilled onto nearby roads, creating dangerous conditions for drivers. Flooding has started to affect houses near the riverbank, partially submerging them.
The Viet Tri dyke is shown with river levels rising alongside it. This location is around 70 km from Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Ha
In certain sections, the Lo River is overflowing and edging closer to the road. Photo: Hoang Ha
Houses situated by the riverside are becoming partially submerged. Photo: Hoang Ha
The Bui River currently presents the most severe flooding, with water inundating neighborhoods for several days and rendering streets invisible. Photo: Thach Thao
Floodwaters along the Bui River have overtaken entire villages, forcing residents to evacuate using boats as their homes fill with water. Less than a month ago, heavy rains similarly flooded regions like Chuong My and Quoc Oai, leaving them saturated. Photo: Thach Thao
The fast-flowing Day River in Hanoi is also experiencing a significant rise, with muddy waters nearly reaching the surface of National Highway 6. This 240 km tributary of the Red River traverses several provinces before emptying into the Gulf of Tonkin. The section flowing through Hanoi originates from Phuc Tho District, covering various districts before reaching My Duc. Photo: Thach Thao
The Tich River has also seen continuous rises in water levels as of September 10, overflowing into surrounding rice fields. Photo: Thach Thao
Other rivers in the area are facing similar high-risk situations. The Da River through Hoa Binh province is also seeing significant level increases. Local authorities have ceased water discharges from the Hoa Binh hydropower station to mitigate flood risks downstream, yet the river keeps rising due to persistent rainfall in the region. Following a full day of rain on September 10, the section of the Da River through Tu Son Town noted rising waters. The Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant stopped releasing water in the afternoon to protect residents. Photo: Thach Thao
