Heavy rainfall in upstream regions is causing water levels in several rivers near Hanoi to surge, with some rivers already nearing critical levels. Authorities have issued flood warnings, as torrential waters from these rivers are predicted to continue rising in the coming days, potentially reaching flood level three.

At approximately 5 p.m. on September 10th, the Hong River and Duong River, both flowing through Hanoi, showed rapidly rising water levels. The typically exposed green patches in the middle of the Hong River were fully submerged as floodwaters covered the landscape. This is a particularly dangerous situation as authorities closely monitor the safety of bridges spanning these rivers. Photo by Hoang Ha

The meeting point of the Hong and Duong rivers, located within Hanoi's boundaries, is experiencing a rapid rise in water levels. Drone footage captured on September 10th shows the swollen rivers with a powerful current pushing downstream.  Photo: Hoang Ha

At 5 PM on September 10, only a small clump of trees remains visible in the midstream of the Red River. The green areas that once existed are now submerged under floodwaters. Photo: Hoang Ha

The areas of Phuc Xa, Tu Lien, Nghia Dung, Nhat Tan, Phu Thuong, and others in the Ba Dinh and Tay Ho districts, located outside of Hanoi's dykes, are becoming increasingly submerged in water, making them barely recognizable. Photo: Hoang Ha

The Duong River at the Dong Tru Bridge, with Dong Anh District on one side and Long Bien District on the other, has water levels reaching the edge of the rice fields on the afternoon of September 10. Photo: Hoang Ha

Local residents along the Duong River in Long Bien district have expressed growing concern as water from upstream rushes toward the city. For younger generations, this marks the first time witnessing such a significant rise in water levels.

In contrast, older residents recall the catastrophic flood of 1971, which left many scrambling to rooftops for safety. “I haven't seen anything like this in years,” one resident remarked, as the water near the Duong Bridge, spanning between Long Bien district and Gia Lam district, continued to carve out deep holes beneath the pillars of the structure. Photo: Hoang Ha

At the Duong River near Duong Bridge, between Long Bien District and Gia Lam District, the strong current has eroded a whole area. Photo: Hoang Ha

The view of the water flow around the Duong Bridge piers creates a sense of the current's intensity. Photo: Hoang Ha

Though the rising water levels are most immediately threatening to Hanoi, neighboring provinces are also on alert. In Phu Tho, where the Hong River meets the Lo River near Viet Tri city, the water levels have become alarmingly high, with no dry land visible along the riverbanks. Local authorities fear that within a matter of days, the water may reach the bridges crossing the rivers. Photo: Hoang Ha

As of the afternoon of September 10th, the heavy rainfall in Viet Tri had subsided, but dark clouds continued to loom over the region. The river currents showed no signs of slowing, and the water was predicted to continue rising for at least another 24 to 48 hours. Photo: Hoang Ha

In some areas, the Lo River’s powerful flow has already started to overflow onto nearby roads, creating hazardous conditions for drivers. Houses situated along the banks have also begun to flood, with parts of some homes already submerged.

In the photo is the Viet Tri dyke, with the river water rising alongside it. This area is approximately 70 km from Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Ha

In some sections, the water of the Lo River is overflowing and reaching the edges of the road. Photo: Hoang Ha

Some riverside houses have been partially submerged in water. Photo: Hoang Ha

The most severe flooding at this time is caused by the Bui River. Water has inundated residential areas for several days, making the streets completely invisible. Photo: Thach Thao

Perhaps the most alarming developments are occurring along the Bui River, where floodwaters have already overtaken entire villages. Inhabitants of riverside communities are being forced to evacuate via boats, as their homes have become inundated with water. Less than a month ago, heavy rains in districts such as Chuong My and Quoc Oai also caused widespread flooding, leaving the areas waterlogged. Photo: Thach Thao

The image shows the Day River as it flows through Hanoi. The water is fast-flowing and rising, with a muddy red color, and in some areas, it is only about 50 cm from the surface of National Highway 6. The Day River, about 240 km long, is a tributary of the Red River, flowing through Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, and Nam Dinh before emptying into the Gulf of Tonkin at Cua Day. The section of the Day River that passes through Hanoi originates from Van Nam Commune (Phuc Tho District) and flows through the districts of Hoai Duc, Quoc Oai, Ha Dong, Chuong My, Thanh Oai, Ung Hoa, and reaches Huong Son Commune (My Duc District). Photo: Thach Thao

At the Tich River, the water levels continuously rose on September 10, spilling over into the surrounding rice fields. Photo: Thach Thao

Other rivers in the region are similarly at risk. The Da River, which flows through Hoa Binh province, has seen a significant rise in water levels. The local authorities responded by halting water releases from the Hoa Binh hydropower station, hoping to mitigate downstream flooding. Despite the halt in water releases, the river continues to rise due to continuous rainfall in the area.

The Da River section flowing through Tu Son Town (Hoa Binh) saw rising water levels following a full day of rain on September 10. In the afternoon, the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant ceased releasing floodwater to ensure the safety of residents. Photo: Thach Thao

Hoang Ha - Thach Thao