Ha Tinh people turn to their fellow countrymen in the flood-hit areas of the North

While the North is struggling to cope with severe floods, many rural areas in Ha Tinh are still flooded, houses devastated after two major storms (No. 5, No. 10).

But overcoming their own difficulties, Ha Tinh people are unanimously turning to their Northern compatriots as a way to deeply express gratitude for the kindness they have received in many times of hardship.

Tran Xuan Vu's rescue team set out for the flood-hit area on the afternoon of October 7.

Having experience in rescue operations during many natural disasters, on the afternoon of October 7, Mr. Tran Xuan Vu (resident of Thanh Sen ward) and two friends loaded two canoes, life jackets and some necessities onto the car and quickly set off for the North. After nearly 10 hours of travel, the group arrived at the central wards of Thai Nguyen province at 10 pm.

“Although I had been here once to rescue people during the flood last September, the scene this time was truly haunting. The streets were like a sea of water, in some places the water reached the roofs of two-story houses, electricity and internet were cut off, the rescue was extremely difficult because of the strong currents and steep terrain,” said Mr. Vu.

Rescue work is extremely difficult due to rising floodwaters, power outages and isolation in many areas.

Because he was not familiar with the terrain and the situation was so unpredictable, Mr. Vu had to post a call for support on a Thai Nguyen community forum. In just a short time, the post attracted nearly 9,000 interactions; Mr. Vu's phone received hundreds of distress calls from all over.

With the support of the local government and police, the group’s two canoes worked at full capacity in the floodwaters. From the night of October 7 to the morning of October 9, Mr. Vu and his teammates carried out dozens of rescue missions, each trip taking about 5 people out of the deep flooded area to safety.

Mr. Vu and his friends prioritized rescuing the elderly, children, and people in heavily flooded areas first.

“The water level rose higher and higher, the flow became stronger, the rescue work became more and more difficult and dangerous. We prioritized heavily flooded areas where people were isolated; rescuing the elderly and children first. After several days and nights of wading in the floodwaters, we were almost exhausted but still encouraged each other to try because every time we saved one more person, our hearts felt a little lighter,” Mr. Vu said emotionally.

When the water in Thai Nguyen began to recede, on the afternoon of October 9, the group continued to move to Bac Ninh to support people in remote areas that were still heavily flooded (in the old Bac Giang area).

Hong Linh Charity Group donates goods to help people in the North.

Sharing the same heart towards our compatriots in the North, many organizations, individuals and volunteer groups in Ha Tinh are also urgently donating and gathering goods and necessities to "go out" to provide relief.

Following the call of the group “Hong Linh Charity”, dozens of individuals and businesses joined hands to contribute dry food, drinking water, new clothes, and rescue equipment. On the night of October 9, a 5-ton truck loaded with goods and 5 members of the group left Bac Hong Linh ward, heading to the northern provinces.

Ms. Le My - Head of the Hong Linh Charity Group shared: “From a post calling for donations on Facebook, we were really surprised to receive such great support. People contributed goods; Long Loan bus company in Cam Xuyen commune sponsored a vehicle to transport the goods. In the coming days, we will coordinate with local authorities and organizations to ensure that the relief goods reach the right hands of people in difficult areas.”

On the evening of October 9, the bus of the Volunteer group from Hong Linh center departed for the North.

Although they were not able to go to the flood-hit areas during the peak days, the group “Ky Anh Free Rice Kitchen” still expressed their sincere sympathy to the people of the North. The members are preparing sesame salt, dried fish, rice, instant noodles, and the donated money to prepare for the trip in the next few days.

Ms. Vu Thi Huong (resident of Song Tri ward) - leader of the group "Ky Anh 0 Dong Rice Kitchen" shared: "We, like many people in Ha Tinh, are very familiar with natural disasters and floods. In the most difficult times, we received so much sharing and support from our compatriots across the country. Therefore, when people in the North were in trouble, we just wanted to contribute a small part as a word of gratitude, a way to repay our compatriots."

Meaningful gifts from the "Zero-dong Kitchen" group sent to flood victims.

With all their heart, sharing and gratitude, the people of Ha Tinh are continuing the tradition of "mutual love". Each trip, each gift sent is not only material but also the warmth of human love carrying faith and wishes for peace to the beloved people in the flood-hit areas of the North.