A heavy rain lasting from 7am-9am on July 13 brought Hanoi’s traffic to a standstill. On most streets, means of transport could barely move for several hours.

According to the Hanoi Urban Environment and Water Supply, Drainage Company, 79 places were flooded across the city. Some streets experienced particularly high waters including Nguyen Khuyen, Ba Trieu, Tan Mai, Thai Ha, Giang Vo, Le Duan, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Nguyen Phong Sac and Nguyen Khanh Toan.

The stretch of Le Duan street along Hanoi’s railway station was severely flooded, while the Kim Ma-Nguyen Thai Hoc route saw the most serious traffic jam due to slow water drainage. A long queue of automobiles and motorbikes couldn’t move for several hours. Even when the rain stopped at 10am, vehicles could only travel at a snail’s pace.

Giang Vo, Thai Ha, Dien Bien Phu and Tran Phu streets were also seriously affected. In the morning, only on Nguyen Van Cu street, linking Gia Lam district to downtown Hanoi, could vehicles move easily.    

The National Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Centre measured the rainfall of between 130-150mm in the downtown area. The centre forecast that heavy downpours would continue to lash down overnight with a moderate rainfall.

In the next few days, temperatures in the northern region will fall by 1-2 degrees. There is a strong chance that as of July 14, the heat wave the region has been experiencing will come to an end.  

Source: VNA