Strong cold air has affected the Northern region since January 21, causing the temperature in the Northwest provinces, including Phu Tho, to drop deeply. The weather turns cold, with rain in some places, the lowest temperature is commonly from 10 - 12 degrees C. In particular, on January 23, Phu Tho recorded that in some places the temperature dropped below 10 degrees C.
In the midst of that cold, on many streets in Hoa Binh ward, it is not difficult to see the image of freelance workers wearing many layers of clothes, covering their faces, diligently making a living.
Ms. Mai (40 years old) slowly pushes the scrap collection cart on the deserted road. The cold wind passes through the thin layer of clothes, making her hands numb, but she still regularly stops at each house.
On a good day, it's 200,000 VND, on a bad day it's just over 100,000 VND, but there are still two children studying, so I can't take a break," she said.
For Ms. Mai, winter means having to wake up earlier and travel longer to have enough money to cover minimal living expenses.
Not far away, on the sidewalk of Phan Boi Chau street, Mr. Hoa (65 years old) still displays his familiar haircut tools. An old wooden chair, a broken-edged mirror and a few tools have been with him for many years. He said that now there are fewer customers because many people choose convenient shops.
But from time to time, acquaintances also visit, enough for me to maintain the profession, earn extra money to help my children and grandchildren," Mr. Hoa shared.
In front of the old central bus station of Hoa Binh City, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hanh (nearly 70 years old) sits quietly next to a few plastic chairs and a few bottles of soft drinks. Her son died early, living alone in a small rented room, carrying water along the road is her only source of income.
No matter how cold it is, I have to sit down, if I sell for a few tens of thousands, I still have money to eat," she said, her hands shrinking from the cold.
There are days when, from morning to afternoon, the small stall only sells a few cups of tea. Sitting outside in the cold weather for a long time, she is exhausted, but she still does not dare to rest. What she desires most is to be given conditions to do small business, have a stable seat, and not have to worry about being chased away.
Cold winds are coming, streets are sparser. However, for many freelancers, making a living cannot be interrupted. Shipers, motorbike taxi drivers, street vendors... are still diligently on the street, wearing cold-resistant clothes, enduring the cold to make a living every day.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from January 24, cold air tends to weaken, the temperature in the North gradually increases. However, cold weather will still be maintained at night and early morning, especially in the midland and mountainous areas.
