Hanoi, the capital city, faces significant challenges as the Red River's water level reached a 16-year high of 9.5 meters, with forecasts predicting a further rise to 10.5 meters within 24 hours. Authorities have evacuated approximately 500 households from riverside areas, while some districts, including Hoan Kiem, are already submerged. Residents have resorted to using boats for evacuation, with many losing their possessions to the floodwaters.
The rising water levels have prompted officials to restrict heavy vehicle traffic on the crucial Truong Duong Bridge and suspend rail operations on the Long Bien Bridge. In Phu Tho province, the collapse of the Phong Chau railway bridge over the Red River resulted in multiple vehicles plunging into the water, with eight people still unaccounted for after five were rescued.
The disaster's impact extends beyond Hanoi, affecting other northern provinces such as Thai Nguyen and Yen Bai. In these areas, single-story homes are almost completely submerged, forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops and desperately call for help through social media platforms. The situation remains critical as rescue efforts continue amidst the ongoing deluge.