Heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm has triggered emergency measures across central and southern Vietnam, with authorities warning of prolonged and complex weather patterns. The agency emphasized the need to monitor reservoirs, manage water levels, and ensure infrastructure safety amid forecasts of intense rainfall over the following days.
Heavy Rainfall and Regional Impact
From September 11-12, 2026, rainfall in central Vietnam reached 40-100mm, with some areas recording over 150mm. The Central Highlands and southern regions faced 20-50mm, while localized areas saw up to 100mm. By September 13, the threat escalated, with forecasts predicting 50-100mm in Thanh Hóa to Đà Nẵng, and isolated areas exceeding 200mm. The Trung tâm Dự báo khí tượng thủy văn Quốc gia (National Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting Center) highlighted the risk of intense rainfall over three hours, urging immediate preparedness.
The Cục Quản lý và Xây dựng công trình thủy lợi reiterated its call for localities to implement measures outlined in a September 9, 2026, directive. This included inspecting dams, reservoirs, and critical infrastructure, as well as developing operational plans for flood control. Officials warned against unregulated water releases that could endanger downstream communities, emphasizing the need to balance reservoir levels with rainfall forecasts.
The Cụm Công Trình Đầu Mối Liên Mạc Project
A key focus of the response is the Cụm Công Trình Đầu Mối Liên Mạc (Lien Mac Headworks Complex), a major water management project designed to alleviate flooding in Hanoi. The project, led by the Ban Quản lý dự án đầu tư xây dựng công trình hạ tầng kỹ thuật và nông nghiệp Hà Nội, aims to restore the Nhuệ River’s drainage capacity by expanding its outflow to the Hồng River. This is a large-scale project that both regulates water intake and pumps drainage, said Nguyễn Văn Quyến, director of the project management board. The investor is working with localities to resolve land clearance issues and plans to complete the project by 2027.
The complex is intended to address systemic drainage challenges in Hanoi, where the Nhuệ River’s capacity has been reduced by siltation, encroachment, and structural degradation. By creating a direct outlet to the Hồng River, the project seeks to reduce pressure on existing pumping stations like Yên Nghĩa and Thanh Liệt, which face limitations during peak flood periods. Officials noted that the system would also help distribute water more evenly, preventing excessive strain on the Đáy River and the Yên Sở reservoir.
Regional Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Local authorities have prioritized both immediate and long-term strategies to combat flooding. In Hanoi, efforts include dredging the Nhuệ River and constructing new pumping stations, while broader initiatives focus on expanding drainage networks to major rivers like the Hồng and Đuống. This includes redirecting water from the Tích River to the Hồng River and creating new drainage routes for the Cẩm Đình area.
These measures aim to reduce the burden on smaller, localized systems that struggle with urban expansion and increased runoff. However, challenges remain, including land clearance delays and the need for coordinated planning across multiple districts. Officials acknowledged that each drainage route has limitations, requiring careful management to avoid overloading downstream infrastructure.
Outlook for 2027 and Beyond
The completion of the Lien Mac Headworks Complex by 2027 is seen as a critical milestone in Hanoi’s flood management strategy. If realized, the project could significantly reduce the risk of urban flooding, particularly during the rainy season. However, officials stress that it is part of a broader effort to modernize water infrastructure across the region. The goal is to distribute water more efficiently and reduce the strain on existing systems, said Quyến. This requires both technical upgrades and close collaboration with local communities.
As the 2026 rainy season progresses, the focus remains on implementing immediate flood prevention measures while advancing long-term solutions. The success of projects like Lien Mac will depend on timely execution, resource allocation, and adaptability to evolving weather patterns. For now, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, urging residents to stay informed and prepared for potential disruptions.
