Risky when picking up flooded firewood on Lam River

After the flood, large and small pieces of firewood and logs flowed from upstream to the Lam River. This scene caused many people in the downstream area of Nghe An to risk going to the river to collect firewood and catch fish, despite warnings of danger. Meanwhile, localities have repeatedly issued warnings and requests to stop collecting firewood during the flood season to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

Flood water brought wood and firewood floating on Lam River. Photo: TP

In recent days, water from upstream hydropower plants has caused the water level of the Lam River to rise. The rapid flow of water has swept away countless floating objects such as broken trees, rotten wood, and even animal carcasses. Many people in riverside communes such as Yen Xuan, Anh Son... (formerly Anh Son district), Dai Dong, Xuan Lam, Bich Hao (formerly Thanh Chuong), Van An, Thien Nhan (formerly Nam Dan)... took advantage of the opportunity to take their boats and small canoes out to the middle of the river to collect wood and catch fish.

Some people even brought chainsaws to the water’s edge to cut up the driftwood, bundle it up, and transport it home. These acts took place at a time when local authorities were constantly issuing warnings, asking people to absolutely not collect firewood during the flood season.

Some people use small boats to go to the river to collect flooded firewood for cooking. Photo: CSCC

In fact, after floods, large rivers such as Lam River often have many whirlpools, complex currents and many unpredictable risks. However, many people are still subjective, do not bring life jackets, do not have protective equipment to go to the river to collect firewood and fish. According to the commune authorities, some people wade far from the shore, trying to approach large pieces of firewood floating in the middle of the river. In case the water level rises suddenly, flash floods continue to pour in, making it difficult for people to escape in time.

Chairman of Yen Xuan Commune People's Committee, Mr. Hoang Dinh My, said that the locality has repeatedly warned and propagated through the loudspeaker system, social networks, and organized patrols and controls. However, the fact that some people still ignore warnings and risk their lives to go to the river to collect firewood has made the authorities extremely worried.

Authorities will inspect, propagate and encourage people not to collect firewood from the river when flood waters rise. At the same time, they will resolutely handle cases of intentional violations. Photo: CSCC

Through inspection and detection of the above situation, the commune has established inspection teams, organized supervision at key points, and increased coordination between the police, militia, and organizations to remind and promptly handle cases of intentional violations.

According to Mr. My, after the flood recedes, it leaves behind many eddies, strong currents, and firewood can easily get caught in submerged tree roots, cables, etc., which can easily cause boats to capsize and drown. In addition to the risk of tragic accidents, going to the river to collect firewood also complicates disaster control work, posing more risks to rescue forces.

Collecting firewood on Lam River when the water level is high is potentially dangerous. Photo: TP

According to research, many families consider collecting firewood as a way to take advantage of the "gift from heaven" after floods. Some people said that just one trip to the river can bring back several large bundles of firewood, which can be used for cooking, saving on living expenses or reselling for money. However, immediate benefits cannot be exchanged for life. In unpredictable weather conditions, just a sudden flood or strong whirlpool is enough to sweep away both people and vehicles.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Huan, a resident of Lam River in Xuan Lam Commune, said: "During the flood season, we take advantage of the opportunity to go to the river to collect firewood to store for the whole year. Firewood is usually bamboo, bamboo, dry trees floating down from upstream, sometimes even large logs. In just one morning, we can collect firewood and fill a tire cart. But after being warned by the authorities, we stopped and did not risk collecting flood firewood anymore."

The government and functional forces have been heavily propagandizing on mass media about the strict prohibition of going to rivers and streams to collect firewood or fish when flood waters are rising. Photo: TP

For many years now, almost every year after floods, there have been tragic accidents due to collecting flooded firewood, fishing in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. Every reckless and subjective action can have serious consequences, affecting not only the individual but also causing difficulties for the authorities in rescue work.

Local authorities have been making efforts with many measures to ensure people's safety. But for those efforts to be truly effective, it is necessary that each person proactively changes their habits and responds to natural disasters in a sober and responsible manner.

Vinh Tuong commune authorities check and remind people to strictly follow safety instructions during the flood season. Photo: TP

Disaster prevention and control experts recommend that people strictly follow safety instructions during the rainy and flood season. Specifically, do not collect firewood, catch fish, play or swim in floodwaters. Absolutely do not travel or wade through deep flooded areas, areas with strong currents, and do not approach areas with warning signs. In particular, do not let children play near rivers, streams, canals or dangerous drainage areas. Proactive prevention and raising public awareness are key factors in limiting damage to people and property during the rainy and stormy season.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/mao-hiem-khi-vot-cui-lut-tren-song-lam-10302991.html