Heavy rain causes widespread flooding in Ho Chi Minh City, disrupting evening rush hour traffic

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds swept across Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of June 16, 2026, causing multiple streets to flood and creating significant traffic congestion during rush hour. The flooding was particularly severe on Road R12 near Ba Son Bridge, where vehicles moved at a crawl as both motorcycles and cars became stuck in the rising water. Faced with impassable conditions, many residents abandoned their vehicles and walked alongside them while others parked on the street to wait for water levels to recede. Residents expressed concern about potential engine damage, with one motorist stating he did not dare to drive and preferred to wait for the floodwaters to subside. The incident highlighted the ongoing traffic challenges faced by Ho Chi Minh City residents during heavy rainfall, with poor drainage contributing to rapid street flooding in key urban areas.