Key facts
- Ho Chi Minh City is investing $5.5 billion in a drainage overhaul.
- Nearly half of Ho Chi Minh City's land is less than 1 meter above sea level.
- The city's drainage and canal system was built during the French colonial era.
- Parts of the city are sinking due to groundwater extraction.
- A climate action plan aims to upgrade drainage systems and expand green spaces.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's commercial capital, is grappling with significant flooding issues that threaten its growth ambitions. The city is planning a $5.5 billion drainage overhaul to address the problem, which is exacerbated by rising sea levels, heavy rainfall, and land subsidence due to groundwater extraction. Nearly half of the city's land is less than a meter above sea level, and its drainage system, built during the French colonial era, struggles to cope with rapid urbanization and a population that has grown significantly.
Forecasters warned on September 27 of increased flood risk due to high tides and heavy rain. By the evening of September 30, the Saigon river and other waterways spilled onto the roads, with floodwaters reaching diners' feet at roadside shops and vendors operating under plastic raincoats. Residents in low-lying areas have adapted by raising their homes, but the disruption remains significant.
Authorities have recognized the inadequacy of the existing drainage system and launched a $13 billion plan in July to address 159 flood hot spots by 2030. This includes upgrading flood-control infrastructure and adopting a climate action plan to improve drainage, expand green spaces, and enhance resilience to extreme weather.