In the period from November to December 2025, the eastern area of Lam Dong province (old Binh Thuan province) continuously suffered two historic floods. Many downstream areas are deeply submerged in water, traffic is cut off, and lands that were familiar with sunshine and wind suddenly become the focus of natural disasters.
In those moments, along with functional forces and local authorities, reporters were also present at the scene to record and transfer information to readers as quickly as possible. But natural disasters are not only a hot topical topic, but also a test of professional bravery and awareness of ensuring safety for journalists.
Natural disasters are always one of the most risky operating environments. The two historic floods at the end of 2025 are clear proof of this. Familiar roads suddenly turn into rivers, many residential areas are deeply flooded, leaving only roofs protruding in the sea of water. Some places are completely isolated, and ordinary vehicles cannot access them.
As a reporter in charge of the area, during the flood in early November, I had to wear life jackets, move by water motorbike with rescue forces to access the scene. In those conditions, specialized cameras or cameras became inconvenient, even posing a potential risk of unsafety.
At that time, digital technology plays a particularly important role. A smartphone placed in a waterproof bag becomes a multi-functional working tool in the flood area. From taking photos, recording videos, recording audio, writing news, editing content to transmitting data to the editorial office are all done on the same device.
Amidst the vast sea of water, the compact phone becomes a "mobile newsroom", helping the flow of information from the scene to readers not to be interrupted. Images of people evacuating at night, deeply flooded residential areas or urgent rescue operations are transmitted almost immediately, clearly reflecting the changes of journalism in the digital transformation era.
If the flood in early November brought many surprises, the flood in December continues to be another challenge.
When I received information that the area near Song Quao lake was heavily flooded, the water rose rapidly and people were being urgently evacuated, I immediately set off. After completing the actual recording and sending news articles to the editorial office, I turned the car back. However, the floodwater rose faster than expected, and the road home was submerged in water.
Overcoming sections flooded by more than half a wheel, in some places the strong current caused the car to almost fall, I finally got home. But at that time, the water had flooded more than half of the house. When I wanted to leave to find a safer place, moving was no longer possible. I and many people in the area had to go to the evacuation point arranged by the locality.
In the deep flooded area, the lives of many families are completely turned upside down. But also in that difficulty, stories of sharing and supporting each other have appeared, warming people's hearts amidst the floodwaters.
At the evacuation area, journalists' work continues. News updates on flood developments, records of people's lives in flood-affected areas or images of functional forces supporting evacuation are still regularly sent to the editorial office.
The two historic floods at the end of 2025 left many lessons about disaster response and the strength of community solidarity. For journalists, it is also a lesson about the profession in the digital age: always ready to be present in the most difficult places to reflect reality, take advantage of technology to keep the information pace, but never underestimate their own safety.
Because after each news bulletin sent from the flood center, the most important thing is still that the reporter can return safely to continue to accompany the stories of life.
