HCMC – Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds on May 16-17 caused serious infrastructure damage and localized flooding on major transport routes from northern mountainous provinces and coastal areas to major urban centers such as HCMC.
According to a preliminary report from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the dangerous weather system had swept across multiple provinces and cities by the afternoon of May 17, placing rescue forces on high alert.
In northern mountainous areas, flash floods caused by heavy overnight rain on May 16 in Cao Bang Province left nine hamlets completely isolated and swept away a passenger bus, although no casualties were reported. On May 17, the low-pressure system continued moving across the region, bringing thunderstorms, lightning and hail warnings to Hanoi.
In Quang Ninh Province, prolonged heavy rain combined with high tides and ongoing drainage construction works overwhelmed urban infrastructure. In several low-lying areas of Ha Long, floodwaters rose to nearly one meter and inundated homes. Several key roads were submerged, with many cars and motorbikes stalled in fast-moving water, paralyzing traffic.
A similar situation was reported in Haiphong City, where thunderstorms and heavy rain from early May 17 flooded many inner-city streets. Haiphong Drainage Co. operated pumping stations at full capacity and deployed personnel to vulnerable areas to direct traffic and assist residents traveling through flooded sections.
Although outside the influence of the northern cold air mass, HCMC also suffered major damage after a thunderstorm accompanied by a whirlwind swept through the city on the afternoon of May 17. A serious incident occurred near the gateway to Tan Son Nhat International Airport when strong winds tore down part of the corrugated roof and steel frame structure of a large shop on Hoang Van Thu Street, causing debris to collapse onto the roadway.
The incident occurred during rush hour, causing traffic congestion stretching for several kilometers on routes leading to the airport. Local authorities cordoned off part of the road overnight to remove the steel structure and clear the site.
