Warm meals on flood days...

“A piece when hungry is worth a whole package when full”

For the past two days, the kitchen of Ms. Nga Hung, owner of Hung Thuc garage in Bach Ngoc commune, has always been red hot. Pots of white rice and pans of steaming food have been continuously brought out, divided into boxes, and prepared to be delivered to the flood victims in Tan An, Tan Phu, and Nghia Hanh.

Ms. Nga confided: “Working in the transportation service, traveling to many places, I know that people's lives are still difficult. Now that the flood has come, that difficulty has multiplied. Just thinking about the scene of people surrounded by water, hungry and cold without being able to sleep.” On the night of September 30, when seeing images of people isolated by the flood on social media, Ms. Nga decided to post an announcement that she would cook 300 free meals. Surprisingly, the information immediately received strong spread. Some people contributed rice, others gave bunches of bananas, bundles of vegetables, eggs; the brothers and sisters in the truck team contributed to transport. From the initial 300 meals, in just 2 days, Ms. Nga cooked 2,000 hot meals, with 10 trucks rolling, bringing food promptly to people in the flooded areas.

Not only did she prepare enough food, she also prepared dry food, bread, milk, water... "Helping people in times of trouble is a happiness. When I saw people tear up with emotion while receiving each meal, I realized how meaningful my work was," Nga shared, her eyes shining with joy and emotion.

Also with the spirit of "helping each other", the Anh Son Online volunteer group quickly connected with the Hanoi City Charitable Heart Club to launch the program "Warm meals during the flood season". In addition to the available funds, the members also actively mobilized the support of many organizations, groups, and kind-hearted individuals inside and outside the district. After just a few hours of calling, meat, rice, vegetables, gas, firewood, etc. were sent, turning the communal kitchen into a place that was on fire all day and night.

About 30 members of the group, including market goers, processors, cooks, and drivers, were all busy and dedicated. Some stayed up all night cooking, others waded through deep water to deliver rice to each household, all with the same goal: Not letting people in the flooded areas go hungry or be left behind.

Mr. Bui Cong Chinh - Deputy Head of the volunteer group shared: "The group has been doing relief work everywhere for 5 years, from Quang Tri to Lao Cai. This flood, the people in the district suffered heavy losses, when there were no outside resources, we decided to cook 3,000 meals ourselves to support the most flooded areas. Each of us had a job: some cut meat, some picked vegetables, washed rice, and lit the stove.

There were days when we stayed up all night to slaughter pigs so that we could cook lunch for the people in the morning; other days we had to wade through floodwaters and deliver the rice until late at night. Many times when the rice was cooked late, we still tried to wade through the water and row boats to deliver each box of rice to each house. Seeing the people receiving it with emotion, all the hardships seemed to disappear.

Not only those who are involved in volunteer activities, but also people in flooded areas also volunteer to contribute. For example, Mr. Tran Quyet Thang, from residential group 7, Anh Son commune, although his house was also flooded and his belongings had not been cleaned up yet, he and the volunteer group still participated in cooking rice, dividing portions, and distributing them to people. Mr. Thang shared: "At this time, human love is the driving force for everyone to recover after the flood. Being able to contribute, even just a small part, is also a happiness."

From Ms. Nga’s kitchen to the collective rice cooker of Anh Son Online group, hot meals have extended the spirit of charity of the people of Nghe An. They not only warm people’s hearts, but also kindle faith, so that everyone can be more steadfast in overcoming the flood.

The government accompanies and shares affection

On the night of October 1, when floodwaters in Nghia Dong commune were still receding slowly, many hamlets and villages were isolated, the local government promptly organized boats to transport essential goods such as boxed lunches, instant noodles, and drinking water to each household. Ms. Le Thi Diem Huong - Chairwoman of the Fatherland Front Committee of Nghia Dong commune affirmed: "We will continue to provide support, not letting any household suffer from shortages during this difficult time."

Those simple but timely meals have given people more confidence and motivation. Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh, a resident of Nghia Dong commune, was moved: "My house was flooded up to the roof, the whole family of 5 was evacuated by the government to a safe place. After two days of avoiding the flood, receiving hot meals three times a day, it was very touching and heartwarming."

Not only in Nghia Dong commune, many other communes in the province also promote the spirit of "mutual love" through collective kitchens. In Van Du commune, responding to the direction of the Party Committee, the Women's Union of the commune stood up to cook rice for households relocated to the hall of the Commune Military Command. People were able to sit together, eat a hot meal in the midst of hardship, clearly feeling the care of the Party Committee, government and organizations.

In Lam Thanh commune, union members and youth also lit a fire right at the Commune Military Command to serve the armed forces and volunteers who are supporting the people day and night. The simple but warm meals have added energy and encouraged the spirit of those on the front lines to overcome the consequences of storms and floods.

It can be said that the local government and mass organizations not only care for the material life of the people, but also share and support them spiritually. In the most difficult times, this companionship has helped people feel that they are not alone, and that the whole community is standing by their side.

This year's flood season, Nghe An and many other provinces in the Central region were severely affected. Houses, crops, and livestock were swept away, and life was disrupted. But in the midst of adversity, the spirit of solidarity and love shone brightly. Hot meals and timely gifts are the clearest proof of the power of sharing. From individuals like Ms. Nga Hung, volunteer groups like Anh Son Online, to the responsible participation of the government and organizations, all have created a big embrace for the people in the flood-affected areas. So, in the memory of every person who has gone through this natural disaster, they will forever remember not only the damage but also the warm memories of humanity and meals filled with love.