Storm No. 3 swept through the northern provinces, causing terrible consequences. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, so far, storm No. 3 and its circulation have left 352 people dead or missing.
A series of landslides occurred, turning peaceful, gentle villages into a land of pain and sorrow. Many children lost their fathers, mothers, or even both parents after the storms and floods. Thousands of houses and schools were submerged in water.
Struggling to clean up a dormitory that had been flooded to the roof at the Chiem Hoa District Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities in Tuyen Quang Province, teacher Dang Thi Phuong shared: “The water rose quickly and strongly, and in just a moment, the entire classroom area, dormitory area, and multi-purpose hall were submerged in water. We teachers were both worried about the flood for the students and about the books, so we only brought some electrical appliances up higher, while winter clothes and blankets had to be soaked in the flood water.”
According to teacher Phuong, the whole school has 473 students, however, due to high flood water and flooded roads, only nearly half of them were picked up by their parents to go home. The rest were asked by the school to stay to ensure safety. Teachers also stayed at school to cook for the students. "Immediately after the flood water receded, the school cleaned up to prepare to welcome students back. It is expected that this Friday (September 20), students will be able to go to school as usual," the female teacher shared.
In Lao Cai province, according to Provincial Party Secretary Dang Xuan Phong, the circulation of storm No. 3 has left this province with heavy damage, with the highest number of deaths and missing people in the country. According to statistics, the whole province has 118 deaths, 50 missing people and 84 injured people. Infrastructure, transportation and production were severely affected, with total damage reaching 3,235 billion VND.
Faced with severe damage, the provincial leaders have requested that the entire province shift from overcoming the consequences to restoring production, striving to complete the set annual plan targets. In particular, restoring the economy, promoting tourism, restoring industrial production, and border gates. Mobilizing agricultural, transport, and construction forces to participate in overcoming the consequences, determining damage, and evaluating projects to have appropriate plans.
In particular, on the afternoon of September 15, Mr. Trinh Xuan Truong, Chairman of Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee, conducted a field survey and directed the resettlement plan for households in Lang Nu, Phuc Khanh commune, Bao Yen district.
After reviewing the conditions and consulting with the people of Lang Nu, we agreed to choose the resettlement plan in the sim hill area about 2km from the old village, which is a high, safe, convenient land with convenient transportation infrastructure, electricity and water, and spacious. This resettlement area is initially expected to house 40 families affected by the recent flash floods and landslides.
Mr. Trinh Xuan Truong also hopes that local people will participate in helping workers during the construction process to create a more beautiful new Nu Village, helping people in flood-affected areas overcome pain and stabilize their lives.
The storm and flood passed, leaving behind inconsolable pain and loss for the people. But after all, the spirit of solidarity, mutual love, “love others as you love yourself”, “the whole leaf covers the torn leaf” was once again promoted. These are also the “good clothes” that are put on, warming the people in the flooded areas so that they can be more confident in a brighter tomorrow.
