Skip to content What happened in 2009
In July 2009 storms that weakened into tropical depressions swelled the rivers around Hanoi and flooded streets across the city. The city’s drainage department said at the time that its pumps were working hard and the water could be cleared within a day if the rain stopped, but that it could stay for several days if it continued. We posted photos from the Vietnamese press (VNExpress and VietNamNet) of motorbikes wading through water, a taxi making waves and men pushing a stalled truck.
The 2008 floods that came before
The floods of late October and early November 2008 were far worse. The heaviest rainfall fell on 31 October, large parts of Hanoi stayed under water for over a week, and the death toll in Hanoi alone reached at least 22 by 6 November, with 92 across northern Vietnam (a news report of that date). Some residents even fished in their own flooded streets.
How things stand in 2026
Flooding is still part of life in the north. In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi pushed the Red River to a 20-year high, and Hanoi evacuated thousands of people who lived beside it (Reuters). If you are visiting in the storm season, between June and October, expect heavy afternoon downpours; plan indoor stops such as museums, and check forecasts for typhoons. See the Hanoi guide for when to go.