4 storms and the journey to sow seeds of resilience

In just two months, four consecutive storms have submerged many rural areas. But amidst the loss, the Vietnamese people still stand up, strong and sharing.

From the lecture hall of Hanoi National University of Education, the message resounded: Education is the seed that sows a resilient Vietnam in the face of natural disasters and climate change.

On the evening of October 13, at Hanoi National University of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a rally to respond to the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management 2025.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep speaks at the ceremony

Here, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep mentioned the recent series of severe natural disasters, in just 2 months, 4 consecutive storms, pouring down extremely heavy rains, causing historic floods, submerging houses, fields, and crops in the North.

“Those images make us heartbroken, but we refuse to give up,” said Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep, emphasizing that the choice to hold the event at Hanoi National University of Education was not accidental, but a strong message: Education is not only the foundation of knowledge, but also the foundation of resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Mr. Hiep said that throughout history, the Vietnamese people have always demonstrated the strength of initiative and solidarity. While natural disasters still leave many losses, Vietnam continues to receive sympathy from international friends through timely relief shipments from Japan and Australia to many other countries.

“We deeply appreciate and are grateful for those hearts, because they are the most vivid proof of the spirit of 'no one is left behind'. And tonight, I would like to pay special attention to those who hold the key to the future - the students of Hanoi National University of Education, the future teachers of the country,” said Deputy Minister Hiep.

According to Mr. Hiep, students are not only learners, but also the most powerful inspirations.

“A small lesson incorporating knowledge of natural disaster prevention can save a life. An extracurricular lesson on survival skills can help students stay calm in times of trouble. A story about recovery after a storm can light up faith in the future,” said Mr. Hiep.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep also called on pedagogical students to “plant the seeds of resilience in the hearts of future generations”, to write the story of a proactive, safe and indomitable Vietnam in the face of natural disasters.

In just two months, four storms followed one another, pouring down heavy rains, causing historic floods, submerging houses, fields, and crops in the North. Photo: Thien Luong.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ziad Nabulsi, Acting UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, expressed his deep sympathy for the severe damage caused by storms and floods: houses destroyed, schools and health centers damaged, and livelihoods lost. But the impact of natural disasters goes far beyond that, as children lack clean water, nutrition, and the opportunity to learn and be protected.

Mr. Nabulsi emphasized that if every teacher helps children learn how to stay safe in storms, floods, and heat waves, we will build a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also resilient. Investing in education is the most sustainable investment to combat climate change and reduce disaster risks.

At the ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Hien, Chairman of the Council of Hanoi National University of Education, affirmed that the school will continue to prioritize resources, create the best conditions for research, training and international cooperation activities in the field of disaster prevention education - so that lessons about knowledge, compassion and courage to overcome natural disasters can be spread to each generation of students.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/4-con-bao-trut-xuong-va-hanh-trinh-gioi-mam-kien-cuong-2452373.html