Urban flood prevention and control

Due to the impact of climate change, in the last 5 years, many urban areas in the province such as Hung Yen City, My Hao town, Yen My town (Yen My district), Nhu Quynh town (Van Lam district)... have frequently experienced localized flooding. Mild flooding lasts 30-40 minutes, while severe flooding can last 2-3 hours.

Tuệ Tĩnh Street (Hung Yen City) was partially flooded after the rain on July 23, 2024.

Almost every year, localized flooding occurs in Hung Yen city whenever there is heavy rain. In June and July of this year, several roads in wards such as An Tao, Hien Nam, and Le Loi were flooded by heavy rain. This not only makes it difficult for residents to travel but also reduces their quality of life and negatively impacts business activities in the city center. Ms. Vu Thi Hien, a resident living on Luong Dinh Cua street in An Tao ward, said: "Every time there's heavy rain, the water doesn't drain quickly enough, and the road in front of my house gets completely flooded. Many times, water even overflows into my house. After the rain, I have to wait for an hour for the water to recede, affecting my daily life and transportation."

Not only on Luong Dinh Cua Street, but even major roads in Hung Yen city such as Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tue Tinh Street, Pham Bach Ho Street... have many sections that experience localized flooding when heavy rain occurs. From July 22nd to 24th, due to the influence of Typhoon No. 2, the measured rainfall in Hung Yen city reached 158mm, causing flooding on several roads, affecting traffic and the lives of residents.

Residents in Yen My town (Yen My district), Nhu Quynh town (Van Lam district), and several wards of My Hao town such as Ban Yen Nhan, Nhan Hoa, Phan Dinh Phung, etc., have reported localized flooding on many roads after heavy rains. Each time it rains heavily, the flooding typically lasts from 30 to 40 minutes, significantly impacting traffic and daily life in these areas. Notably, the high traffic density in these areas exacerbates the situation, leading to increased traffic safety risks and difficulties in transportation.

The main causes of flooding are climate change with increasingly frequent and unseasonal heavy rains, rapid urbanization, and an outdated and poorly maintained drainage system. In addition, some residents litter indiscriminately, causing blockages in canals and drains, hindering water flow.

To address flooding during heavy rains, localities have implemented several measures such as: regularly renovating and dredging drainage systems, upgrading drainage systems in conjunction with road upgrades, ensuring that 100% of newly constructed roads include drainage facilities. From 2023 to the present, Hung Yen city has spent over 10 billion VND to upgrade the drainage system, renovate drainage canals and pumping stations in the area. In addition, Hung Yen Urban Environment and Construction Joint Stock Company has established a "Rapid Response Team" to promptly handle localized flooding situations, ensuring the drainage system remains clear. The Rapid Response Team is ready with tools and personnel to clear drainage pipes when necessary and to warn traffic to minimize risks. In addition, local authorities and specialized units maintain flood control teams, regularly clearing soil, sand, and weeds from roads to improve drainage. Team members also proactively station themselves at flooded areas, clearing waterways and warning drivers to ensure public safety. Mr. Pham Quoc Hoan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hung Yen City, stated: During urban development, the city focuses on reviewing and adjusting spatial development plans and infrastructure development, gradually upgrading and improving the drainage system. Simultaneously, attention is paid to preserving and improving the city's regulating lakes; strengthening planning management and construction permits in urban areas; and fostering a habit of maintaining environmental hygiene among residents, preventing littering, encroachment on sidewalks and riverbanks, and obstruction of water flow to ensure faster and smoother drainage.

Experts warn that heavy, unusual, and unseasonal rainfall is expected in the coming period due to climate change. To effectively prevent and control flooding, relevant agencies and local authorities need to closely and strictly manage the drainage system. Simultaneously, they must raise public awareness of environmental hygiene, prevent indiscriminate littering and the haphazard accumulation of construction materials on sidewalks and roadsides, and strictly penalize cases of encroachment on canals, ponds, and lakes, obstruction of drainage outlets, and dumping of garbage into manholes and drainage systems. Strict measures and penalties for littering and encroachment on canals and ditches must be thoroughly implemented. Urban areas need to develop comprehensive drainage system plans that are scientifically sound , aligned with urban development and future climate change forecasts.

Vi Ngoan

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/phong-chong-ngap-ung-khu-vuc-do-thi-3174180.html