Capital to focus on areas of chronic flooding

04/08/2013

Thai Ha Street in Ha Noi's Dong Da District floods after rain. There are at least 20 flood-prone locations across the city causing traffic problems, resulting in calls to tackle the situation before the rainy season begins in May. Attempts are being made to dredge drains and clean up canals and rivers. — VNS Photo Truong Vi

The effort, announced by Nguyen Anh Tu, deputy head of the Ha Noi Sewerage and Drainage Company's Administrative Office, aims to help the city overcome existing flood-prone areas.

In an interview with Kinh te va Do Thi (Economy and City) newspaper, Tu disclosed that the company will assess whether the measure can provide any useful evidence in alleviating flood black-spots.

A series of big sewers is also being put into operation throughout Ha Noi to try and avoid flooding after heavy showers.

This is because rainfall is expected to increase to a maximum of 310mm by next year, he said.

About 20 flood prone locations are expected to still cause trouble throughout the city this year.

Trouble is expected when more than 100mm of rain falls during the rainy season – between May and July.

New black spots have been declared in Nguyen Xien and Pham Van Dong streets in Cau Giay, said Le Vu Quang Suong, head of Ha Noi Sewerage and Drainage Company's Planning Office.

However, three problem areas have been removed at the intersection of Ngo Thi Nham and Nguyen Cong Tru streets in Hai Ba Trung District, and Thai Thinh and Kham Thien streets in Dong Da District, he revealed.

According to Suong, construction waste had been dumped in the drainage system, blocking the flow of water along Nguyen Xien Street.

Lack of good drainage is also blamed for flooding in Pham Van Dong Street, he said.

Suong added that problem areas still causing concern this year, included streets in the inner city, such as Nguyen Khuyen in Hai Ba Trung District, Tan Mai and Linh Nam in Hoang Mai District; at the intersections of Phan Boi Chau and Ly Thuong Kiet in Hoan Kiem District, and Duoi Ca and Truong Dinh in Hoang Mai District.

The company has attempted to fix the situation through dredging drains and cleaning up canals and rivers in the inner city, he said.

Under the city's water drainage planning till 2030, Ha Noi plans to clear existing flood vulnerable spots in inner districts of Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem and Hoang Mai by 2015. — VNS