When natural disasters and epidemics pose challenges
Located in the southernmost part of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh province is frequently affected by natural disasters, and each storm and flood presents a daunting challenge for journalists. I can never forget the overwhelming feeling I experienced when I first reported from a storm and flood.
In November 2008, the rainy season unexpectedly dragged on. Torrential rains poured down day and night, shattering the tranquility and plunging the Hoang Long River into a raging flood. Numerous communes in the flood-prone and flood-retention areas of Nho Quan and Gia Vien districts were submerged, turning into isolated islands.
In the specialized vehicle, I accompanied the provincial task force across the rising floodwaters. The entire team raced against time, working quickly to avoid being stranded. Ahead lay fields and houses submerged in water; on the Duc Long dike, hastily erected makeshift shelters, livestock and poultry crowded together amidst piled-up belongings.
In particular, the weary, exhausted eyes of the people, some having to remove roof tiles and crawl under flooded rooftops to stay put, brought tears to my eyes. I quickly recorded all the difficulties and essential needs of the people in the flooded areas, informing readers, hoping for sharing and support. Then came the historic flood of October 2017, Typhoon Yagi in September 2024, and many other storms and floods.
Sleepless nights monitoring the storm's progress, reporting in conditions of strong winds and torrential rain, sometimes getting completely soaked but still having to keep cameras and equipment dry. Every article and image about storm and flood prevention, mitigation, and recovery efforts is the result of tireless dedication, with the desire to convey the fastest and most accurate information so that people can proactively respond and minimize damage.
Besides natural disasters, dangerous epidemics are also silent "battlefields" that demand dedication. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, a truly silent war, prolonged and arduous.
Ninh Binh Newspaper, like other media outlets, had to transform itself significantly to meet the information demands during the "embargo" period. Working remotely and conducting online interviews became commonplace, but that didn't stop us from persevering.
For journalist My Hanh, then Head of the Culture and Society Department and a reporter specializing in the health sector, the risky task of recording real-life information and images from the scene was not only a job but also a duty and responsibility to her readers.
American journalist My Hanh shared: “When working in high-risk areas, my colleagues and I were advised to fully comply with requirements regarding wearing medical protective clothing, gloves, and full-body disinfection. However, with the dangerous epidemic at that time and its unprecedented nature, ensuring safety and preventing the spread of the disease was very difficult, and everyone was worried about their own safety.”
Many reporters working in the epidemic zone said that upon returning home, they were afraid to go near and hug their children, fearing they might have contracted the disease and spread it to their children... We are proud that the news from Ninh Binh Newspaper has contributed to guiding information and spreading beautiful stories about the solidarity of the people of Ninh Binh in fighting the epidemic.
Having reporters and editors present at the scene is extremely valuable, increasing the credibility and appeal of the news. When readers have firm faith in mainstream journalism, fake news and false rumors will not be able to spread.
Team spirit and passion for the profession.
In dangerous and difficult circumstances, teamwork is our greatest strength. Words of encouragement, pats on the shoulder, sharing raincoats and hot meals in flood-stricken areas, or moments of overcoming lockdowns together... all have created a close-knit and resilient team at Ninh Binh Newspaper.
What motivates us is that the Editorial Board of the newspaper is always by our side, guiding and ensuring our safety on each trip. Behind the reporters directly involved in the work is a whole team of editors and technicians working tirelessly day and night to ensure that information is published promptly and accurately. Despite facing danger, hardship, and even worries for ourselves and our families, the flame of passion for the profession and the mission of revolutionary journalism always burns brightly within each of us.
It is a source of pride that Ninh Binh Newspaper's news has reached many people, contributing to shaping public opinion, truthfully reflecting life, and conveying positive messages.
Looking back at the 100-year journey of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism and the tireless dedication of Ninh Binh Newspaper, we are proud of what we have accomplished. In the coming time, Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio and Television Station will continue to innovate, improve the quality of content and form, and constantly learn and cultivate political acumen and professional ethics.
In particular, they will always be pioneers on the information front, always ready to face any difficulties and challenges to deliver the fastest and most accurate information, contributing to the sustainable development of Ninh Binh province, and living up to the trust of the Party Committee, Government, and people of the province.
Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/vuot-hiem-nguy-giu-vung-ngon-lua-nghe-589119.htm
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