The power of community through storms and floods

During the days when Da Nang and Central Vietnam were struggling under the weight of the floods, from Hoi An and Dai Loc to Duy Xuyen and Go Noi, the compassion of people helping each other was evident everywhere.

Dao Dang Cong Trung and his friends promptly rescued a family in Hoi An from a dangerous area. (Photo: Provided by the team)

The unsung heroes

Amidst the swirling waters of the Thu Bon River, Dao Dang Cong Trung, a native of Hoi An, along with his friends Pham Hung Vi, Cao Hoang Phi, Nhan, and Si, braved the raging floodwaters to rescue people. Using their river-going expertise, they employed canoes, personal boats, and even borrowed jetskis from friends to reach isolated communities.

Over the course of five days, the group rescued 23 people in life-threatening situations, including many women and children. In addition, they coordinated with philanthropists to transport over 5 tons of relief supplies to villages that had been cut off for days, such as Cam Kim, Thanh Ha, Cam Nam, and Duy Vinh.

“The phones were ringing non-stop, in some places the water had reached the rooftops, only the faint light of flashlights could be seen. We didn't think much about it, we just knew that our compatriots were in desperate need,” Trung recounted.

Flood rescue requires not only compassion but also experience, skills, and courage. The work of saving lives takes place in harsh conditions: strong currents, large waves, and boats constantly colliding with obstacles.

Sometimes the speedboat would break down in the middle of the river, and they had to fix it themselves in the rain and wind. Their meals consisted of hastily eaten loaves of bread, and their sleep was fitful amidst the sound of rushing water.

"Every time we cross the river, it's a challenge. But thankfully, we always make it to our destination and back. Because above us are storms and strong currents, but in our hearts is the spirit of humanity," Trung confided.

After days battling the raging waters, they returned with losses: damaged boats, injuries, exhaustion... but they carried with them something invaluable: a sense of brotherhood, a unity among people in times of hardship.

Humanity in times of hardship

At the same time, throughout Da Nang and the surrounding flood-affected areas, hundreds of volunteer groups, organizations, and individuals spontaneously joined forces to help the flood victims.

In Hoi An, the "Passionate Hanoi " group – a group of Hanoi residents – raised over 440 million VND in just 72 hours and organized over a thousand relief packages containing rice, water, instant noodles, medicine, and life jackets, delivering them to areas isolated for days such as Thanh Ha, Cam Kim, Duy Vinh, Nong Son, and Dai Loc.

Residents of Hoi An join hands with authorities to transfer relief supplies from cars to canoes for delivery to isolated areas. Photo: Provided by the community.

"Right on the first night the water rose, the group held a meeting to plan and assign tasks: some gathered supplies, others handled transportation, and some contacted the authorities," shared Nguyen Ngoc Linh, the group's representative.

Even more touching, two foreign tourists who witnessed the hardships faced by the local people during the flood voluntarily joined the group, helping to pack supplies and donating an additional 10 million VND.

In addition to providing emergency relief, with the funds raised, the group has planned a three-stage support program: rescuing people and alleviating hunger, restoring livelihoods, and rebuilding living conditions, helping severely affected households resume production.

"A portion of the funds will be sent to flood-affected areas in the form of essentials such as food, medicine, and cash. The remaining funds are expected to be used partly to purchase medicine for flood-related illnesses and partly to provide cash assistance to severely affected families to help them rebuild their lives," a representative of the "Nong Nan Hanoi" group shared.

During the days of devastating floods across the city, countless acts of kindness shone brightly everywhere. From flooded streets to isolated rural areas, citizens, authorities, and charitable organizations all worked together in solidarity.

Thousands of young people in Da Nang also simultaneously joined the people and the government in cleaning up schools and cultural centers, and helping to repair houses for disadvantaged households with the simple slogan: "Clean up wherever the water recedes."

A group of over 30 mechanics, armed with tools, oil, and spare parts, traveled throughout the flooded areas, repairing vehicles for free for the local people. They worked from morning till night, cleaning each vehicle – a vital means of livelihood for the residents after the flood.

In Tra Doc commune, where six villages were cut off for days, authorities had to use small boats to navigate through the strong currents to deliver bags of rice, boxes of instant noodles, and bottles of water to the residents.

Thousands of local people, from the elderly to young children, formed long lines to pass around portions of supplies in the rain and wind. These simple acts are a vivid manifestation of community strength, compassion, and the belief that "no one is left behind."

In every storm and flood, the Vietnamese people never stand idly by. They save themselves before waiting for anyone else, and then join hands to save others. From fishermen rowing boats to search for trapped people, to youth union members cleaning up schools or volunteer groups collecting packets of instant noodles, all share a common source - compassion.

People in Central Vietnam often say, "After the flood, the land blossoms again," because after each flood, a season of love sprouts, and hope is reborn from the hearts of the people.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/suc-manh-cong-dong-qua-bao-lu-3309579.html