On the evening of September 22, prolonged heavy rain caused water from upstream to pour in, causing the section of National Highway 55 through an underground culvert (hamlet 9, Bao Lam 3 commune, Lam Dong) to be flooded more than 1m deep.
Water flowing like a waterfall through the underground sewer area caused traffic congestion.
Mr. Hong Viet Trung - Chairman of Bao Lam 3 Commune People's Committee said that the underground culvert started to flood from about 5 pm.
By 6 pm, the water rose more than 1m, the strong current made it impossible for vehicles to pass safely.
The commune has assigned police and militia to be on duty 24/24 hours to guide people and vehicles when traveling through the underground culvert area, ensuring safety.
With the current situation, traffic through the underground culvert is completely blocked," Mr. Trung said.
National Highway 55 is a traffic route connecting National Highway 20 through Bao Lam 3, La Da communes with National Highway 28 and National Highway 1. When the underground culvert is flooded, motorbikes must move along the inter-village road.
Meanwhile, passenger cars and trucks going in the direction of La Da must circle through Hoa Nam commune to get to National Highway 20. Vehicles from National Highway 20 going in the old Binh Thuan direction must turn around.
According to local people, in the rainy season, this underground culvert is often flooded about 10-15 times, causing difficulties for travel.
When the water rises, the government must arrange forces to be on duty to warn and prevent people and vehicles from passing through the dangerous area.
National Highway 55 is currently being repaired and upgraded.
People believe that the construction may affect the drainage system, causing flooding to occur more often after heavy rains.
However, this is a reflection from the people; the specific cause of the deep submerged sewer needs to be inspected and assessed by functional agencies.
