On September 30, Hanoi was immersed in chaos when heavy rain lasted all day until rush hour, causing many roads to be deeply flooded, traffic paralyzed, people had to step step step into the "sea of water" to return home.
Amid the scene of flooded streets, not only do people in the capital have to struggle to move, but foreign tourists are also affected.
Phil and Harriet, a pair of British tourists living in Hanoi, shared their first-hand experiences during the flood on September 30.
Our first reaction was shock, Phil said.
"It rained for many hours, but when we looked out and saw the already bustling street packed with motorbikes suddenly turning into a muddy river, we could not believe it.
Just go to a nearby store and see the water rise so quickly that it is incredible. It feels a bit surreal.
From the hotel window, Harriet described: It was like watching a reluctant water performance, but instead of dancers, it was motorbikes. The water was so high that it covered the sidewalk, the daily sound of car horns was replaced by the sound of a hooded engine. People are extraordinary: wade through water, push their vehicles or try to find a safe path. It was a powerful and dramatic scene.
The flooding situation also caused the couple's tour schedule to be completely stopped. "All plans to go out of the city or explore new neighborhoods have been canceled. Safety must be a top priority, Phil said.
According to visitors' observations, many small shops on the ground floor in many places were forced to close early. Some essential items such as bottled water are quickly scarce.
However, Western visitors impressed that traders still quickly adapted, moved the stalls higher or tried to maintain operations.
What impressed the couple the most was their humanity in the flood. "We saw neighbors helping each other move their belongings, and people voluntarily regulated traffic when the lane was covered with water.
The staff where we stay also continuously update information, ensuring that visitors feel safe. That is truly a beautiful image of Vietnamese hospitality, Harriet shared.
Above all, what surprised Phil and Harriet was the way Hanoians received the situation. There is no panic, just a calm acceptance, even a little bit of humor.
Some people sit sipping coffee on a high step, waiting for the water to recede as if everything was just a temporary inconvenience. This attitude is a great lesson in resilience against nature, Phil commented.
At the end of the sharing, Phil and Harriet gave three recommendations to other tourists in Hanoi.
First of all, safety is paramount, avoiding travel during heavy rain or flooding.
At the same time, it is necessary to protect luggage, place belongings, important documents and electronic devices high, and keep the phone full of batteries.
In addition, in case of need for help, you can ask hotel staff or nearby restaurant owners for advice on a safe path. At the same time, the couple also advised tourists to support stores that still try to operate in storms.
"Although a bit inconvenient, this is still a memorable experience. We will always remember the calmness, friendliness and determination of Hanoians, Harriet said.
According to the Drainage Company, by 4:00 p.m. on September 30, Hanoi had 82 flooded spots with a depth of 30-70 cm, causing traffic difficulties during rush hour. The rain is forecast to gradually decrease on October 1.
