Tourists leave as Hoi An Town flooded

December 16, 2016 | 12:17

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With flood waters continuing to rise on December 15, tourists in low-lying areas in Hoi An have either had to relocate to higher areas or leave town.

Continued rainfall and hydropower discharges have caused mass flooding in Quang Nam Province including Hoi An Town.

The town's streets and wards such as Cao Hong Lanh, Bach Dang and Hung Vuong streets are under 70 centimetres to one metre of water. Small traders as well as businesses by the river and coastal area are badly affected.

Trader Truong Thi Hoa at Hoi An Market said the situation was bad for them. "We’ve had to halt business and move to another location in case the floodwaters rise during the night. This is usually prime time for business. I don't know if we'll earn enough for this Tet Holiday," she said.

Tourists, who are living with host families or at hotels, are also hiring boats to relocate or leave to Danang City.

Hoi An Town People's Committee directed localities authorities to evacuate people in low-lying areas and protect their belongings. Heads of wards and communes are also being asked to monitor the situation closely and prevent people from using boats to collect wood, fish or operate tours.