Heavy downpour turns UNESCO-recognised Hoi An streets into rivers

Localities in the central region, including Hoi An, are enduring a major spell of heavy rain as a result of the ongoing cold air wave from the north, triggering severe flooding in parts of the region.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 2

The flooding is the worst in Hoi An this year, leaving many places dozens to hundreds of mm deep under water, according to Nguyen The Hung, vice chairman of the municipal government.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 3

“I could sleep overnight, waiting to see if water flooded into the house so I could pack up everything to avoid the floodwater,” says Hai, a resident living on Hoang Van Thu Street.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 4

A man puts chairs in the middle of the road to monitor the rising and falling water levels.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 5

The cold spell that struck northern Vietnam two days ago has brought heavy rain to central localities. Photographed is a vast sea of water at the Hoang Van Thu-Nguyen Thai Hoc intersection.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 6

Floodwaters on the Thu Bon river swell to alert level 2, and are expected to recede slowly.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 7

Roads in the city centre such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Bach Dang, and Le Loi are flooded at around 500 to 700mm deep.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 8

Small boats are mobilised to get residents out of the flooded area.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 9

At An Hoi bridge crossing over the Hoai river, local authorities set up railings in a bid to prevent vehicles from traveling to ensure safety.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 10

Many low-lying areas in Hoi An, including the road to Thanh Ha pottery village, are also inundated with floodwaters.

heavy downpour turns unesco-recognised hoi an streets into rivers picture 11

Thanh Ha fish market is deeply submerged in floodwaters, causing traders to rush to collect their properties overnight. The central region has been warned about a high risk of flashfloods, landslides, and severe flooding on a large scale.