Highlanders repair power lines amidst floodwaters.

(Baonghean.vn) - Amidst the raging floodwaters, villagers in Yen Tinh commune (Tuong Duong district) still wade through streams to repair their homemade generators, which they call "cù electricity".

"Dien cu" refers to small generators created by people in mountainous regions using small turbines placed along stream beds. These are the only source of lighting for mountain dwellers in areas not yet covered by the national power grid.

Residents of Yen Tinh (Tuong Duong) repair a centrifugal generator. Photo: Huu Vi

In Yen Tinh commune, Tuong Duong district, there are still 4 villages with over 1,800 inhabitants that do not have access to the national power grid. All of these Thai ethnic villages are located along streams, and their daily electricity needs depend on the stream water. Hundreds of mini hydroelectric generators placed along the stream beds are a familiar sight in these villages.

During the flood season, going to the stream to install and repair power lines is not easy because of the strong current. Photo: Huu Vi

Mr. Lo Van Chon, residing in Huoi Pai village (Yen Tinh district), said: "The floods not only damage houses and schools, but also haunt those who use electricity. If you're busy working in the fields and the flood comes and you don't have time to go down to the stream to retrieve your electricity, the flood will sweep it away."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the burly man plunged into the raging floodwaters. The Cha Ha stream was muddy and turbulent, its waters swirling as if to sweep everything away...

"To have electricity for lighting, we have to accept the risks," added Lo Van Doan, a neighbor helping Chon repair the generator. Each of these small generators costs around 2.5 million dong. Meanwhile, after each flood, many generators need to be repaired or replaced.

Not only men, but also women in Huoi Pai village went to the stream to install electric lights. Photo: Huu Vi

The makeshift electrical system installed in the middle of the stream is very simple, which is why it is easily swept away by floods. Photo: Dao Tho

Mr. Vi Van Khiem, Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Tinh commune, said: Currently, 40% of the total 4,000 people in Yen Tinh still do not have access to the national power grid. Providing electricity to the remaining four villages of Yen Tinh commune is included in the medium-term construction plan for 2017-2020. "The commune has also repeatedly requested that the electricity supply for the people be expedited," Mr. Khiem added.

Huu Vi - Dao Tho