Saigon's recent flooding may cause Tan Son Nhat International Airport to temporarily shut down in rainy weather.
Plagued by rising floodwaters, Deputy Director of Tan Son Nhat International Airport Pham Vu Cuong recently warned that drainage problems in the city's nearby canals may compromise Tan Son Nhat's ability to safely operate, reports DTI.
The airport's power station, which supplies electricity to Tan Son Nhat air traffic control, could be at risk if floodwaters persist, according to Cuong. The official noted that one power station was already flooded and other parts of the airport were up to 20 centimeters under water after recent rains.
Though the flooding has since subsided, this poses a serious risk during future rainstorms. According to Tuoi Tre, floodwaters at the airport exceeded 20 centimeters on October 9, 15 and 16, putting its power stations in danger.
While the canals responsible for funneling water away from Tan Son Nhat are notably small, officials also argue that littering in the surrounding waterways contributes to the issue of poor drainage.
“The canals help to deal with 50% of water on the runways, but they haven't been dredged for a long time, resulting in serious flooding," Cuong told DTI.
Airport authorities have requested urgent action from the city government, however Tan Son Nhat has taken the liberty of using sandbags to direct water away from the airport in the meantime.
