Business and travel are affected by flooding
In recent days, high tides have caused many places in Vinh Long province, including National Highway 1 through Binh Minh ward, along with Long Chau and Phuoc Hau wards, to be flooded from 2040 cm, making it difficult to travel, live and trade.
Mr. To Huynh Thanh - a fish feed transport worker in Hoa Phu Industrial Park - said that every time the water flooded, the delivery was delayed. The cargo vehicles were stuck, sometimes the engine stalled in the middle of the road, we had to wait for the water to recede before moving.
"Many times, the delivery time is late, directly affecting the daily work and production progress of the company," Mr. Thanh added.
Not only workers, but also people traveling from other places are facing difficulties. Mr. Le Long Ho (from Ca Mau) said that on his way from Ho Chi Minh City to visit his home, when he arrived at Binh Minh ward, the motorbike stalled in the middle of the water section, more than half a wheel deep.
"We had to walk more than 500 meters, it took nearly half an hour to get out of the flooded section. Many people passing by also have to walk, the flooding causes hardship for everyone," Mr. Ho added.
In addition to difficult travel, small businesses are also heavily affected. Ms. Le Cam Tu - the owner of a Hu Tieu restaurant in Phuoc Hau ward - said that customers are afraid to go out because of floodwaters, causing unsold business. Previously, she sold more than 100 bowls a day, but in the past three days, it has decreased by more than 40%, having to close early. She is most worried that if the high tide continues to rise, the repeated flooding will have a long-term impact on her income and livelihood.
"I hope the authorities will soon have a synchronous solution, so that there will no longer be flooding that causes people to suffer every time the tide rises," Ms. Tu added.
Synchronizing irrigation systems and traffic works
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Le Quang Rang - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long - said that the peak tide on October 23-24 exceeded alert level III.
Mr. Rang emphasized that the possibility of flooding by October 25 could reach 45 cm, the depth could increase with water levels, especially in riverside and lowland areas.
During the high tide of the 8th lunar month, the whole province recorded 18 dykes of embankment collapsed with a total length of more than 570 m, more than 12,000 m of embankment overflowed, nearly 880 hectares of fruit gardens were flooded and about 4 tons of fish were overflowing, with estimated damage of more than 150 million VND.
Departments and branches coordinate to conduct field inspections, temporarily reinforce vulnerable locations, operate irrigation systems, sewers, pumping and drainage stations, and arrange forces to be on duty to support people in a timely manner, limiting damage.
"Currently, functional sectors are surveying to plan synchronously for irrigation and transportation, to avoid flooding during high tides, and at the same time giving early warnings, coordinating with localities to protect people and production," Mr. Rang added.
