Busy cleaning Hoi An ancient town after historic flood

Floodwaters have receded in most of Hoi An's ancient town, but rubbish is piling up in the Japanese Covered Bridge area. Photo: QUOC TUAN

In the recent historic flood, Hoi An ancient town was one of the most deeply flooded places in Da Nang city. The flood level recorded in this area exceeded the historical flood peak of 1964.

By noon on October 31, floodwaters had receded on many streets in the old quarter. The only areas still flooded were Bach Dang Street along the Hoai River and the An Hoi area.

People clean paintings soaked in mud in flood water. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Since the afternoon of October 30, as floodwaters receded, people have been cleaning up to soon restore tourism activities.

Because it is located at the end of the Thu Bon River, in recent days, in addition to mud, there has also been a large amount of garbage piled up everywhere in the old quarter.

People took advantage of the receding water to push mud away. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Dong, Deputy Director of Hoi An Ward Public Service Center, said that the amount of garbage is the heaviest around the Japanese Covered Bridge area.

In addition to the authorities and people, there is currently a local business supporting excavators to the Chua Cau area to quickly handle the waste, ensuring environmental sanitation of the heritage.

On October 31, many international tourists visited Hoi An ancient town on non-flooded roads. Currently, the tour and guide activities of this heritage site have not been able to be restored after the temporary suspension was announced on October 27.