Many streets in the heart of the city were submerged under floodwaters.

Data from rain gauge system Vrain showed 1,320mm of rain at the summit of Bach Ma Mountain in Phu Loc Commune, while Khe Tre Commune recorded nearly 1,000mm.

Heavy downpours caused extensive flooding in many streets such as Le Quy Don, To Huu, and Nguyen Hue, where water levels reached 0.5 to one meter deep.

Cars were stranded underwater, and rescue teams used boats to navigate the inundated streets such as Dong Da and Le Quy Don.

"The water rose so fast this morning that many people were caught off guard," said Le Van Cuong, a student at the Hue University of Sciences.

"Friends of mine had to wade through the water to buy instant noodles and dry bread because the forecast said the flooding could last several more days."

According to the Hue Civil Defense Command, by noon the Huong and Bo Rivers had both exceeded alarm level 3, matching the record flood levels of 2023.

Heavy rainfall forced hydroelectric and irrigation reservoirs to release water rapidly to maintain structural safety.

As many as 730 residents have been evacuated from low-lying areas in Hoa Chau, An Cuu, Thanh Thuy, Thuy Xuan, and Duong No Wards to designated shelters.

Phan Thien Dinh, chairman of the Hue City People's Committee, warned that the flood situation remains complex and prolonged.

He ordered the leaders of wards and communes to expedite evacuation efforts and prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups, while ensuring adequate supplies of essential goods and equipment.

Military and police units have been placed on 24-hour standby for rescue operations.

Cargo ship sinks off Lang Co

In a separate incident linked to the severe weather, the Hue Military Command reported that cargo ship Thai Ha 8888, carrying 5,900 metric tons of cement from Nghi Son Port in Thanh Hoa Province to Van Phong Port in Khanh Hoa Province, sank early on Monday morning off the coast of Lang Co, about two kilometers from Son Cha Island in Da Nang City.

The ship encountered rough seas at around 3:00 am.

All eight crew members, including captain Nguyen Van Dong, donned life jackets and escaped in two lifeboats.

Preliminary reports indicated that the captain was unable to close the valve on a 15,000-liter diesel tank before abandoning ship.

Authorities are monitoring the site for possible fuel leakage and preparing environmental response measures if necessary.

Hue officials, in coordination with border guards and rescuers in Da Nang City, are working to locate the wreck, assess the scene, and implement plans for salvage and oil spill prevention.

They were rescued by vessel Long Son 38 and brought safely to Da Nang at 6:00 am.