Solidarity among compatriots in the heart of the flood-stricken Huoi Xa

17 people living together under one roof

Following the recent historic flood, 276 houses in Nhon Mai commune (formerly Tuong Duong district) were affected, with 69 completely swept away. In Huoi Xa village alone, 14 households were left homeless. But amidst the hardship, the spirit of solidarity among the people shone even brighter.

Ms. Le Thi Ha, originally from Binh Minh commune (formerly Yen Thanh district), moved to Huoi Xa to start a small grocery store. The flood swept away her house and all her goods. However, when her daughter connected her with several charitable organizations, Ms. Ha willingly gave up her property to more needy households.

"Although my family lost everything, we are still fortunate to be better off than some other households. I would like to give the relief supplies to those who are more in need. Right now, I still have the opportunity to stay with my neighbors, and that's something I really appreciate," Mrs. Ha confided.

After losing their home, Ms. Le Thi Ha's family temporarily stayed at Mr. Luong Van Xuan's house. He is a retired teacher who warmly welcomed seven families with more than 17 people to stay with him, sharing meals together.

“After the flood, my pigsty and farm were all swept away. My son's family also lost their house. But I'll help the villagers in any way I can. I have some rice in reserve, and the garden on the hill still has vegetables and bamboo shoots. The villagers cook together, get through the day, and then gradually rebuild,” Mr. Xuan shared, his voice calm yet warm.

In Huoi Xa these days, although the landscape is still in disarray, human kindness has become the pillar of support. Each shared meal, each shared roof, is a flame warming the people amidst this calamity.

Shining examples in times of hardship.

Lieutenant Va Ba Vi's family, from Pieng Cooc village (formerly Mai Son commune, now Nhon Mai commune), lost their house, fish pond, and herd of cattle after the recent historic flood. Upon receiving the news, it wasn't until two days later that he had time to briefly visit his family before immediately returning to his duty to assist the people.

“My parents, wife, and children only managed to take my phone and a few sets of clothes with them. Everything else was lost. But because of my duty, I had to return immediately. The people need us more than ever,” he shared. Currently, his family is temporarily staying at the old elementary school, while he continues to work tirelessly day and night on rescue missions and distributing relief supplies to the people.

Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Nam, Deputy Head of Nhon Mai Commune Police, said: “The commune police force is currently divided into 3 teams. Our team is responsible for the former Mai Son commune area (including 9 villages), and consists of 6 officers. After the flood, we took turns on duty, assisting in relocating houses, ensuring the safety of the people, and participating in the distribution of relief supplies.”

In the heart of the flood zone, officers and soldiers remained steadfast alongside the local people. Their eyes were red from lack of sleep, their uniforms soaked with sweat, but according to Comrade Nguyen Thanh Nam, "seeing the people gradually regaining their spirits gave us renewed strength."

The pickup truck carrying acts of kindness.

Not only the authorities, but also ordinary people in Huoi Xa contributed wholeheartedly, such as Mr. Le Van Quy and his wife, Ms. Le Thi Huong. Due to disrupted transportation, several days after the flood, the villagers were unable to access relief supplies from outside. Mr. Quy proactively connected several relief shipments to the villagers.

Ms. Le Thi Ha (a resident of Huoi Xa village) emotionally recounted: “Mr. Quy not only spent money to rent boats to transport relief supplies from My Ly to the village, but also directly participated in transporting goods from the dock to the villages. Thanks to his pickup truck, no one in the village had to suffer from hunger.”

"Our family is luckier than others, so we must help those in need," that's what Quy often says to his wife before heading out to distribute relief supplies.

His wife, Le Thi Huong, shared: "Since connecting with charitable groups in the village, my husband has often skipped meals to distribute supplies to the villagers. My husband and I are always ready to help in any way we can so that everyone can get their lives back on track."

The flood tested resilience and compassion, but it also strengthened the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between the military and civilians. Through collective effort, the people of Huoi Xa village believe that after this calamity, their village will be reborn.