Carl Tomich, an Australian amateur filmmaker, travels to Vietnam during storms. He shared with Lao Dong the experience of "both chaotic and calm" when witnessing Hanoi facing heavy rain and severe flooding.
Streets turn into rivers in the blink of an eye
I really couldnt believe things happened so quickly. In Hanoi, I used to see heavy rain, but this time the water in West Lake rose too quickly, and in just a few hours the whole road disappeared under the cloudy water, Carl recounted.
From the window, he witnessed a rare scene: motorbikes are half-flooded, people wade in the water until their knees, calling each other gently to find a way home.
The sound everywhere was the sound of pumps, the sound of rain hitting down and the sound of people supporting each other. Both chaotic and strangely calm, perhaps because Hanoians are too familiar with this scene," he said.
The heavy rain also disrupted Carl's work schedule.
"I had planned to go to the old town but had to cancel because the flooded road was unable to be reached. Shops closed early, convenience stores ran out of instant noodles and bottled water. The food delivery application is almost paralyzed, he shared.
Community spirit amid floodwaters
What impressed the Australian filmmaker most was not the severe flooding scene, but the way the community handled it together.
"People helped each other push their vehicles to stop, gave each other plastic sandals, and even used ropes to lead through deep water. The authorities were present to guide traffic, helping tourists not get lost in dangerous places. This supportive spirit is truly admirable, said Carl.
Above all, Carl said he was surprised to see that people were not panicking.
Instead of considering it a disaster, people consider it a common experience. They rub pants, laugh, drink coffee on high places and wait for the water to recede. That attitude is really inspiring.
Carl Tomich is an Australian filmmaker and content creator who is producing travel videos on many platforms. He often travels under a 9-day visa and considers Hanoi a familiar destination.
I have lived here for nearly half a year now, traveling back and forth between Vietnam and Thailand. Hanoi is truly like my second home, he shared.
Through its social networking sites, Carl brings footage of the journey of discovery, from natural beauty, cuisine to daily life, and this time is a realistic film about the flood situation in Hanoi.
Carl believes that the most important thing for tourists during stormy days in Hanoi is to always put safety first. He recommends not trying to drive a motorbike through deeply flooded roads, instead prioritizing traveling on main roads and avoiding small alleys that are often heavily flooded.
careful preparation is also necessary: bring plastic sandals or waterproof sandals instead of shoes, store important luggage and documents in a waterproof bag, and keep the phone dry to avoid emergency situations.
Finally, Carl emphasized that patience and calmness will help you experience less stormy days.
Hanoi always recovers very quickly after storms. Just wait a little longer, you will see the vibrant and vibrant rhythm of the city again, he said.
