The first Tet (Lunar New Year) in the new land for the people of Nu Village.

This spring, the people of Lang Nu village (Phuc Khanh commune, Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province) are celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) for the first time in their resettlement area, marking the beginning of a new life after the losses caused by the flash flood. Although sadness still lingers, smiles have begun to bloom on the faces of the villagers, bringing with them hope for a peaceful future.

Báo Thanh niên•30/01/2025

The Lang Nu resettlement area, built on Sim Hill and covering 10 hectares, includes 40 stilt houses, a community center, and a school. To date, 33 households have received their houses. The remaining households are busy preparing and performing ancestral rites before moving into their new homes.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

The flowerbeds that Ms. Hoang Thi Bong and her son planted since moving to their new house have begun to bloom. "I don't know much about flowers. My son bought everything. Since I started taking care of the flowers, I've gained more hope," Ms. Bong confided.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

This year, due to a family bereavement, Ms. Bóng didn't buy much for Tet. "I only bought a few seaweed leaves to wrap the glutinous rice cakes for the ancestral offerings and to take to my husband's grave," Ms. Bóng said.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

"Now it's just the two of us, mother and son. Seeing how empty the house is, I bought some plants and flowers to create a festive atmosphere for Tet," said Hoang Van Dam (son of Hoang Thi Bong), admiring the kumquat tree he had just bought from the market.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

Like many households in Nu Village, this Tet holiday, the house of Ms. Dang Thi Nich was devoid of the laughter and chatter of children. As she spread out the bedding, Ms. Nich fondly recalled memories of when her whole family slept together in the same bed every night.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

Not far away, Nguyen Van Thinh's house was bustling with people preparing for the ancestral worship ceremony. Sitting quietly in a corner of the room, Thinh still wore a mourning headscarf. The recent flood had claimed the lives of 14 of his relatives, including his father, mother, wife, two children, and two younger brothers. On the day he moved into his new house, his relatives were all present to comfort him. "I'm happy for him, and I hope he will try to rise above his circumstances and rebuild his life," shared Hoang Van Dinh, a relative of Thinh.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

"Since returning here, with the encouragement of the authorities and the neighbors, I've somewhat overcome my loss. Although this year's Tet (Lunar New Year) won't be complete, I want to buy things and prepare a little to make my new home feel warm and cozy," shared Mr. Hoang Van Tin, the owner of house number 16.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

For the children of Lang Nu village, seeing the peach blossoms bloom means spring has arrived. Some children lost their parents in the historic flood a few months ago, but the future still "brightens" in their eyes, reflecting the villagers' belief in a gradually stabilizing life. Mr. Hoang Van Diep, the head of Lang Nu village, was moved when he mentioned the community's role in helping the village overcome its tragedy and build a new, more prosperous one. Despite the many challenges ahead, he affirmed his determination to work with the villagers to build a new Lang Nu that is increasingly beautiful, united, and full of happiness.

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