Authorities in An Cựu ward are providing food supplies to support residents in low-lying areas.

"Flooding even before it rains" - a constant worry.

Sitting on his porch, watching the O Lau River surge, Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, from Sieu Quan residential area, Phong Dinh ward, said sadly: "It's difficult to get around, but the main problem is that life has been turned upside down. The water rises and falls, then rises again, and people can't react in time. Sitting inside and looking out at the floodwaters makes me very anxious."

In many places, the floodwaters have receded, but in Siêu Quần, many households still have to wade through the water. In deeply flooded areas, people still have to use boats to get around. "Life during these rainy days feels so slow and heartbreaking," Tiến said, his voice filled with lament, but also as encouragement for himself and his neighbors to persevere.

When talking about the low-lying areas of Hue City, everyone immediately thinks of Hoa Chau ward. Despite being close to the city center, it becomes a flood reservoir whenever there is heavy, prolonged rain. Some jokingly, but truthfully, say, "It floods even before it rains." Just a few hours of persistent rain can turn many residential areas into rivers.

Mr. Phan Dinh Toan, head of the Thanh Ha neighborhood group, quickly stated: "Quan Hoa, Kim Doi, Phu Ngan, Thanh Ha, and Thuy Dien are the lowest-lying areas. If heavy rain continues for a few more days, it might take up to half a month for the water to recede completely."

The statement was half-joking, half-serious, but full of worry. For the people here, the sight of houses, gardens, and even pathways being flooded is nothing new; it's just a matter of whether the flood is severe or mild each year. In conversations with the people in this flood-prone area, the most noticeable thing isn't complaining, but rather mutual support and sharing.

"People don't worry about food and clothing during the flood," said Nguyen Hoa, head of the Quan Hoa neighborhood group in Hoa Chau ward. "Every household has prepared rice, firewood, and some dry food to survive the flood. If they lack anything, they borrow from each other; no one wants anyone to go hungry. The most valuable thing here is the community spirit and mutual support in times of hardship."

People in low-lying areas rely on their fields and ponds for their livelihood, depending on shrimp and fish, so they understand the patterns of floods better than anyone else. But no matter how familiar they are, each flood is still a struggle. Perhaps that's why human bonds are strengthened, with people sharing every handful of rice, every boat, every sack of old clothes during difficult times.

The government stands alongside the people.

Not only are people helping each other, but in recent days, local Party committees and authorities have also been present, staying close to the affected areas and sharing with residents in the flooded regions. Mr. Nguyen Van Chinh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Ho commune, said: "The entire commune still has many flooded areas such as Le Xa, Vinh Luong Khe, Van Giang, Dong Di, Su Lo, and Tay Ho. Local authorities have deployed forces to be on constant standby, assisting people with relocation, and supplying food, drinking water, and medicine."

Many areas in Quang Dien commune are still flooded.

Along with that, relief supplies from organizations, associations, and charitable groups arrived directly in the affected areas, bringing instant noodles, drinking water, and other necessities to each isolated household. "We don't lack food; we just hope for more life jackets, small boats for transportation, and medicine to treat waterborne infections on our hands and feet. These are small things, but they are much needed during the flood season," said Mr. Truong Viet Hung, a resident of Phu Ho commune.

The People's Committee of Hue City proactively requested and proposed to the Government and central ministries and agencies for urgent support of 10 tons of Chloramine B and 20 tons of Benkocid chemicals for disinfection and disease prevention after the floods; at the same time, they requested the provision of an additional 40 VS-1500 boats, 80 composite rescue boats, 100 generators and 80 water pumps to serve rescue and relief efforts.

These figures represent not only material resources but also evidence of the government's concern and support for the flood-affected people. According to forecasts from Hue City authorities, from November 1st to 5th, the area will continue to experience moderate to heavy rain, with some places experiencing very heavy rain, before gradually decreasing. Low-lying areas such as Phong Dinh, Hoa Chau, Phu Ho, Duong No, An Cuu, Quang Dien, etc., will continue to be flooded.

The floods continue, but the people's faith remains unwavering. They understand that, no matter how severe the natural disaster, the government stands by them, and the people continue to support each other with heartfelt compassion. Then, when the sun rises and the water recedes, the people in the flood-stricken areas, along with local Party committees, authorities, and socio -political organizations, work together to clean up the floodwaters. The fields turn green again, the fish and shrimp swim once more, and the houses in the low-lying areas are once again lit. Because amidst hardship, the human spirit in the flood-stricken areas shines brightly like an unextinguished lamp in the pouring rain.

Text and photos: PHONG ANH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep-nong-thon/cung-ba-con-vung-ron-lu-159485.html