Love amidst the raging waters

Even now, the people of Thai Nguyen are still shaken when they recall the historic flood of October 2025. The floodwaters swept away valuable possessions, leaving many in dire straits. In the midst of this calamity, the people of Thai Nguyen remained united and compassionate, overcoming the flood together.

Thai Hai eco -tourism area in Tan Cuong commune has suspended all operations to prepare free meals for people in the flooded areas during the storms and floods of October 2025.

Sharing in times of hardship

According to residents on Phung Chi Kien Street, Phan Dinh Phung Ward, at noon on October 7th, the street was flooded and "stormed" into many houses. Many people had probably never seen such a powerful flood on the street before.

Due to widespread power and water outages, many families were caught off guard, managing to escape the flood with only a few packets of instant noodles, which they had to eat raw to avoid starvation. Those living on higher floors were able to quickly move food, supplies, and gas stoves to the second and third floors, so they were still able to cook rice to eat.

Nevertheless, the roads were deeply flooded, with swirling currents in many places; some houses, even the first floor, were submerged in the floodwaters, and families were cut off, each staying inside their own home. Everyone hoped that when the water level on the Cau River reached its peak (at 3:00 AM on October 8th), the water in the inner city areas of Phan Dinh Phung ward would recede quickly, similar to the flood in September 2024. However, contrary to the predictions and hopes of the people, the water rose quickly but receded very slowly.

Therefore, many areas of the ward were isolated, houses facing each other, only about 20 meters apart, but the floodwaters were both deep and fast-flowing, and there were no boats, making mutual assistance impossible. In times of crisis, people always "think outside the box" to adapt to reality and survive in the best way possible.

Mr. Nguyen Sy Hung, who lives in the Phung Chi Kien street area, said: "Even after October 8th, the water hadn't completely receded, and many people were facing food and water shortages or surviving on raw instant noodles. So we decided to climb the balconies of the second or third floors to cross over to each other's houses and plan to help those in need. Everyone contributed whatever they could, then gathered at the house with the largest space to cook and eat together. A few families formed a group, and people on the other side of the street followed suit. So by the time the water receded, no one in our area had to go hungry or survive on raw instant noodles."

It was the mutual affection and support they shared during the days when the floodwaters surged from upstream that gave them the strength and courage to overcome those difficult times together.

Working together, united in purpose.

Residents of Tich Luong ward provided drinking water to families affected by flooding in the area during the recent storms and floods.

During the days of flooding, the roads in Phan Dinh Phung ward were deeply submerged, with strong currents, and many people on their way home were stranded and disoriented. In this perilous situation, many residents received timely assistance from the police force.

Ms. Le Thi Ngan, from Tan Thanh commune, said: "After staying at a relative's house in Phan Dinh Phung ward for two days, on the afternoon of October 7th, seeing that the rain had stopped, I intended to return to Tan Thanh early. However, when I reached the Minh Cau road area, the water was already overflowing. Worried about how to escape the fast-flowing water, I was assisted by police officers who took me to the station to stay temporarily for three days until the water receded. During those days of assistance from the police force, I and other people in the same situation were deeply moved."

Amidst the severe flooding caused by the remnants of typhoon No. 11, the Thai Nguyen Provincial Women's Union also deployed its entire system on standby, requiring all levels of the union to closely monitor the affected areas, coordinate with functional forces to evacuate people from dangerous zones, organize mobile kitchens, and care for vulnerable groups.

Mobile police officers (Thai Nguyen Provincial Police) serve meals to people sheltering from floods at their unit.

For example, in Bach Quang ward, members take turns cooking, preparing, and packaging hot meals, drinks, and essential supplies for officers and soldiers on duty and residents evacuated from flooded areas; they also participate in moving belongings, raising and securing property, and assisting in relocating people and property from deeply flooded houses…

During the days of flooding, in addition to the efforts of the authorities, many compassionate individuals from neighboring provinces came to Thai Nguyen. From the afternoon of October 7th, without being asked, numerous social media accounts and groups joined hands to call on philanthropists to support people in the flooded areas.

Messages like, "My family owns a truck, we offer free transportation of boats, ships, and canoes. Anyone in need, please contact us at this phone number..."; "Our vehicle is traveling from the South to Thai Nguyen, passing through neighboring provinces. We are requesting assistance with food and water"; "Currently, our team needs life jackets, drinking water, and food to provide relief to the people of Thai Nguyen..." warmed people's hearts.

During the days of devastating floods, human kindness was rekindled. The people of Thai Nguyen are immensely grateful that from all corners of the country, charitable convoys, appeals, and acts of sharing continuously reached the flooded areas. Some contributed their time, others their resources, and some even sent their meager salaries to help their compatriots. The people of Thai Nguyen will never forget this kindness.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202601/an-tinh-giua-dong-nuoc-xiet-a9c75f3/