HANOI: In the suburbs of Hanoi, residents are grappling with severe flooding that has left hundreds living submerged in water following torrential rains that lashed northern Vietnam last week. The persistent high water levels in Ben Voi village, situated about 40 kilometers from central Hanoi, have turned daily life into a struggle for survival.
The flooding, triggered by heavy rains and river overflow, has caused significant disruption in the village. Local resident Tran Thi Ly, 70, who operates a convenience store from her home, described the dire situation. “I cannot go anywhere and neighbors are finding it difficult to come to my shop to buy things,” she told AFP.
Since early July, flooding and landslides in northern Vietnam have resulted in at least 18 deaths in the country’s mountainous regions. Ben Voi village, known for its low-lying terrain, is particularly vulnerable to such natural disasters.
Authorities have noted that this area typically experiences two or three days of high water each year, especially when the Hoa Binh hydropower plant, located in a neighboring province, discharges excess water.
The Red River and the Day River, which flow through Hanoi, have seen their water levels rise rapidly, further impacting communities situated further downstream, according to a report in Saigon Giai Phong newspaper. Currently, approximately 500 residents in Ben Voi are enduring flood conditions, with water levels reaching up to 1.5 meters in some areas.
Resident Hoang Van Su, 51, shared the hardships faced by the community: “We have been traveling by boat. It’s hard for us as we struggle to find a dry place to grind rice husks for our daily meal.”
Meanwhile, weather forecasters have predicted more heavy rainfall in northern Vietnam between Monday and Wednesday, potentially exacerbating the situation.
Vietnam, frequently hit by intense downpours, is no stranger to flooding and landslides. Scientists have warned that the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events are increasing globally due to climate change.
Last year, natural disasters in Vietnam resulted in the deaths or disappearances of 169 people.
