Risking his life to fight the water god to get firewood in the rushing water

Dao Tho - Tuong Anh July 20, 2018 14:01

(Baonghean.vn) - Despite being warned, propagandized and frequently reminded by authorities, many people living along Lam River or next to hydroelectric dams still brave the rain, floods and strong currents to fight with the water god to collect firewood and wood.

These days, due to the impact of storm No. 3, the water level on rivers and streams in the highlands of Nghe An has risen rapidly. This morning, the water level has shown signs of receding, but still at a slow pace. Photo: Dao Tho
High water levels forced the Ang hydroelectric plant (Xa Luong commune - Tuong Duong) to open flood discharge valves. Photo: Dao Tho
At the foot of the dam, a lot of wood and rubbish floated and accumulated. Taking advantage of the situation, many people risked their lives to go down to the river to collect firewood despite warnings from the authorities. Photo: Dao Tho

Clip: Collecting firewood at the foot of the hydroelectric dam that is releasing floodwaters.

According to our observations, although the Party Committee and the government of Xa Luong commune regularly dispatch forces such as police, military, militia... to stand guard and not allow people to go down to collect firewood. However, when these forces leave to go to another location, some people disregard the danger and go back to work in the river. Photo: Dao Tho
The trees and firewood here mainly drift from upstream, but some are also planted in forests. Photo: Dao Tho


The main tool of these people is a long pole with a hook attached to pull in firewood. Photo: Dao Tho

Some people even used chainsaws to cut wood right on the riverbank. Photo: Dao Tho
Firewood and timber are gathered not far from shore. Photo: Dao Tho

According to records in Anh Son, on the morning of July 20, the floodwaters on Lam River rose very quickly, submerging most of the alluvial flats along the river in Anh Son district. The river water flowed strongly, dragging along a lot of garbage and firewood in the middle of the stream. Some people in Tuong Son commune (Anh Son) risked their lives rowing small boats to pick up firewood. Photo: Tuong Anh

Small boats sway on the turbulent waters. When encountering large logs, these people are ready to go into the rapids to push the logs onto the boat. Photo: Tuong Anh

If we can find small pieces of wood, we will tie a rope to them and gather them on the shore. Photo: Tuong Anh
Each family participating in collecting firewood has a separate gathering place and the collected firewood will be marked with its own mark to avoid confusion. Photo: Tuong Anh

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Risking his life to fight the water god to get firewood in the rushing water
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