Vietnam: Thousands evacuated near Hanoi due to flooding as of August 1 /update 3

Event

More than 6000 people from 3,635 households have been evacuated from Chương Mỹ district (near Hanoi) due to the flooding of the Bui River as of Wednesday, August 1. Though water levels of the Bui River are forecast to begin receding, flooding is expected to continue in low-lying areas of Chương Mỹ over the coming days, especially in Nam Phương Tiến, Hoàng Văn Thụ, and Tân Tiến communes. Additional evacuations from affected areas and localized traffic disruptions are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

On July 30, Hanoi officials reported that the water level at the Bui River (near Hanoi) reached a peak of 7.5 m (24.7 ft), about 1 m (3.3 ft) higher than the third warning level, and had caused widespread flooding and heavy damages to local infrastructure.

Vietnam's rainy season overlaps with much of the Southeast Asian typhoon season, lasting from around May to October, and regularly results in flooding in the country's north.

Advice

Individuals in Vietnam, especially near Hanoi, are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. possible evacuation orders), follow local weather forecasts, and verify travel plans prior to setting out. In the event of further flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.