Ho Chi Minh City closes major underpass due to flooding, snarling traffic

The closure at the An Phu interchange disrupted morning commute patterns across the bustling commercial hub, with traffic management officials redirecting vehicles to alternative routes as crews worked to pump out standing water from the underpass.

The An Phu interchange serves as a critical junction connecting major thoroughfares in the city's eastern districts. The temporary shutdown highlighted ongoing challenges that Ho Chi Minh City faces during periods of heavy rainfall, when the city's drainage infrastructure struggles to manage water accumulation in low-lying areas.

Authorities did not specify an estimated timeline for reopening the underpass. Traffic flow gradually normalized as the drainage operation proceeded, though congestion persisted at peak hours on secondary routes used by vehicles avoiding the closure.

The incident underscores infrastructure vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia's largest city, where rapid urbanization has outpaced the development of comprehensive stormwater management systems. City planners have identified drainage improvements as a priority in coming years to mitigate similar disruptions.