The drainage system of Tan Son Nhat International Airport will undergo improvements this month, Ho Chi Minh City Urban Drainage Company said.

The installation of extra water drainage openings and construction to raise the surface in areas susceptible to flooding are expected to commence soon, according to the company’s leaders.

The heavy rain which came down on Monday evening caused the water level to rise by 20 centimeters and led to serious congestion on Phan Thuc Duyen Street in Tan Binh District, they added.

Flood control will also be carried out in areas around the airport, including Phan Thuc Duyet Street near Lang Cha Ca Roundabout, to prevent traffic jams which affect passengers entering and exiting the international terminal.

There are three main drainage systems at Tan Son Nhat that carry water out of the facility, the drainage company explained.

Two of them, which are the Nhat Ban ditch (ending at Gia Dinh Park) and A41 (which leads water toward Cong Hoa Street, Tan Binh District), are now infringed upon by multiple local households.

The mouths of the two ditches are often covered with residential waste, which contributes to the inundation, according to airport managers.

The company has dredged the ditches to temporarily prevent the system from becoming stagnated.

The proposal for a permanent solution, which is to relocate residents close to where the ditch endings are situated, is still pending the confirmation of the Tan Binh District People’s Committee.

The torrential rains on October 9, 15 and 16 caused floodwater to top 20 centimeters, forcing airport staff to use plywood, sandbags, and plastic tarpaulins to prevent the rainwater from entering the power station.

If the station is damaged by floodwater, the airport will have to be closed, the Southern Airport Authority said.

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