Reviving life after natural disaster

>> Floods in Yen Bai as of 5pm on August 9: 4 people dead, 189 houses damaged; estimated damage of 80 billion VND

>> Mu Cang Chai assesses damage and inspects storm no. 3 recovery work

Located about 20 km from the district center, Phinh Ho resettlement village in De Xu Phinh commune nestles on the mountainside, surrounded by green pine forests and babbling streams. It is hard to imagine that this peaceful place today was once one of the hot spots for natural disasters with the historic flash flood in 2017, forcing more than 70 households in Nam Kim, Nam Pa, and De Xu Phinh villages to relocate. 8 years later, concrete roads run throughout the village, and 100% of households have stabilized their housing. Households are supported with production land, solid houses, means of livelihood, and essential infrastructure such as schools, medical stations, and roads.

Mr. Hang Cho Tua - a resident of Phinh Ho village shared: "My family was granted nearly 1 hectare of land for production. Currently, I grow corn, rice and vegetables. Thanks to that, not only do we have enough to eat, but we can also sell more at the market, earning a stable income." Phinh Ho today is no longer a land of loss, but a symbol of revival. People are attached, assured in production, gradually increasing their income and improving their lives.

In Hong Nhi Pa village, Lao Chai commune - which suffered heavy damage after the flood in early August 2023, people's lives are gradually stabilizing. Solid and sturdy houses are located close together on the hillside, mixed with the bustling laughter of the people.

Mr. Thao A De - one of the poor households whose entire house was swept away by the flood, emotionally said: "When the flood passed, the whole family was left with only wet clothes. But fortunately, we were supported with 40 million VND and land, so my family quickly rebuilt a 3-storey house with a full kitchen and toilet. Now living in this resettlement area, I feel very secure, no longer worried about floods like before."

All 13 households whose houses collapsed have completed rebuilding their houses. 100% of households in high-risk areas have been relocated to safe areas. Local authorities have also proactively planned and allocated land plots for households without land to help them settle down. In addition, people in the village have actively restored production. To date, 37 hectares of flooded rice fields have been cleared, of which 33 hectares can be cultivated twice a year. Many households have also developed specialty pig and cattle farming according to models supported by the province.

Mr. Cu A Du - Village Chief said: "My village currently has 4 large-scale livestock models. Each household has livestock for daily life, some households have additional income, gradually escaping poverty". By the end of 2024, the whole village reduced to 54/98 poor households; among the households whose houses were completely collapsed, 2 households escaped poverty.

Ho Bon Commune was the most severely affected locality in the August 2023 flood with 91 houses affected, of which 21 were swept away. Immediately after the disaster, the commune quickly planned safe land and organized the relocation of households to new places.

Mr. Giang A Chong - a resident of Trong La village emotionally said: "After the flood, all of my family's assets were washed away. But thanks to the timely support of the State, I was able to rebuild a spacious house of more than 300 square meters. Now I live in a safe place, no longer worried every time the rainy season comes."

Since the beginning of 2025, the commune authorities have continued to review high-risk households to proactively relocate them. Mr. Sung A Khang - Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee informed: "The commune has successfully mobilized and relocated 1 household in a serious landslide area. We continue to monitor weather developments to respond promptly, ensuring absolute safety for the people."

Not only providing accommodation, Mu Cang Chai district also coordinated to issue land use right certificates (red books) to resettled households. Mr. Sung A Chua - Vice Chairman of Mu Cang Chai District People's Committee emphasized: "Handing out red books is to affirm the legal ownership of the people, and also to give trust, helping people feel secure to stay and invest in long-term development".

Along with the stabilization work, the district is vigorously implementing preventive measures. Localities are developing a "4 on-site" plan, reviewing and making a list of households in areas at risk of landslides to proactively evacuate before the rainy season. The political system from the district to the commune, village and hamlet is activated to be ready to respond to all situations.

From the difficult days, the resettlement areas in Mu Cang Chai today have brought to the people in the highlands not only a new roof, but also faith, hope and aspiration to rise up. That revival is the result of the consensus from the Party Committee, the government to each person together to continue writing the story of a land that does not succumb to natural disasters.

Hong Duyen

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/12/351670/Hoi-sinh-cuoc-song-sau-thien-tai.aspx