Worries after the flood

Post-flood concerns

Authorities are assisting Yen Nhan commune in post-flood recovery efforts.

According to previous reports from local authorities, Typhoon No. 5 caused significant damage in Yen Nhan commune. Heavy rains caused landslides that damaged houses, severely damaging roads and the power transmission system. In the commune, 126 households suffered damage to their homes, including 22 completely destroyed and 58 severely damaged; 527 households in Khong and My villages were isolated for several days. In Bat Mot commune, 35 households with 131 people had to be urgently evacuated and are still in temporary shelters. Transportation, electricity, telecommunications, commune offices, and many other public facilities were severely affected, plunging the lives of the people into even greater hardship.

In early September, returning to the flood-affected area of Yen Nhan commune, it was evident that efforts to mitigate the consequences of landslides on National Highway 47 were still being diligently carried out by relevant authorities. Machinery was mobilized, along with dozens of police and military personnel working in coordination with local authorities and residents to clear mud and debris, relocate property, and ensure on-site logistical support. Many relief teams, social organizations, and philanthropists also arrived promptly, bringing rice, instant noodles, drinking water, and clothing to support the people and help them stabilize their lives in the initial stages.

In Chieng village, Yen Nhan commune, located nearly 50km from the commune center, the devastation after the flood is still evident. Land, rocks, and fallen trees lie scattered everywhere, with many houses reduced to mere foundations. Five households had their houses completely swept away by the flood, and 14 households had their houses partially collapsed. All crops and fish ponds were damaged or completely destroyed. Faced with this situation, the Provincial Military Command mobilized forces, dividing them into small teams of 3 to 5 people to directly assist each household. Hundreds of stilt houses were buried under up to 2 meters of mud, making it impossible to bring in machinery. Soldiers and militia had to use shovels, wheelbarrows, and wooden stretchers to remove the debris. The work was arduous and manual, but it was the only way to free the houses and find safe shelter for the villagers.

Sharing his story with us, Mr. Luong Thanh Bang from Khong village, Yen Nhan commune, whose family's house was swept away by the flood, choked back tears: "Since the flood came, everything is gone, from our house to our fields and crops. The whole family has to stay with relatives, and now we don't know how we will make a living, nor do we know when we will be able to rebuild our home." This sentiment reflects the shared feelings of many households in the flood-affected area, as they still face overwhelming difficulties.

Mr. Quach The Thuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Nhan commune, shared: After the flood, the concern is not only about rebuilding houses and schools, but also about the environment and the long-term livelihoods of the people. Dozens of hectares of rice fields and crops were covered with silt, and the irrigation system was severely damaged, making it impossible to restore production. If timely solutions are not implemented, the lives of many households will become even more difficult as they lose their main source of income. “The risk of disease outbreaks is imminent. Waste and animal carcasses remain after the flood, and the drinking water sources are heavily polluted, directly threatening public health. Environmental sanitation, disinfection, and clean water supply are being urgently implemented, but still face many obstacles,” Mr. Thuan added.

In response to this situation, on August 31st, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 2951/QD-UBND approving the budget for disaster relief in Yen Nhan and Bat Mot communes. The total budget of over 4 billion VND was allocated from the provincial budget's contingency fund for 2025. On September 4th, Comrade Nguyen Doan Anh, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, personally inspected and directed the disaster relief efforts in Yen Nhan and Bat Mot communes. He emphasized the urgent task of focusing all resources on stabilizing housing for the people; simultaneously, rebuilding essential infrastructure and promptly allocating land for resettlement areas in safe locations. The Provincial Party Secretary also requested that the Party committees and authorities of the two communes coordinate closely with relevant forces, promote self-reliance, and at the same time take advantage of support from the province, departments, agencies, and social organizations to restore production and ensure the livelihoods of the people.

Timely support and guidance, along with the collective efforts of the community, have provided the impetus for local authorities and people in the flood-affected areas to overcome difficulties. Although the path back to normal life is still fraught with challenges, with determination and unity, faith in a new life after the flood is gradually being restored.

Text and photos: Dinh Giang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/noi-lo-sau-lu-261044.htm