VI
EN
The recent historic storms and floods in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, with severe damage concentrated in Dak Lak, Lam Dong, and especially Khanh Hoa, have dealt a devastating blow to the lives of hundreds of thousands of households. The devastating natural disaster not only swept away property and crops but also claimed the lives of 102 people across the region as of November 23rd. In Khanh Hoa province alone, the floods submerged over 30,000 houses, with preliminary economic losses estimated at 5 trillion VND.
In response to the widespread and severe damage, the government issued a directive calling for "rapid" recovery efforts, urgent financial assistance, food, credit, and infrastructure reconstruction.
However, amidst this tragic situation, the spirit of "mutual support" and "helping those in need" of our nation shone brighter than ever, becoming a warm flame that comforted the hearts of our compatriots in the flood-stricken areas.
During the days when Khanh Hoa was still submerged in water, without electricity and with communication cut off, the people there were not alone. The close attention and guidance from the Government were demonstrated through decisive and timely actions.
Even while on official business abroad, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an urgent online meeting with the Standing Committee of the Government and leaders of the severely affected provinces. The overarching principle emphasized by the Prime Minister was that no one should be left hungry or cold due to the floods.
The Prime Minister launched a fundraising campaign to support people in Central Vietnam affected by storms and floods.
Following this directive, the Government decided to provide emergency support of 1,100 billion VND from the central budget reserve to localities to overcome the consequences of the disaster, with Khanh Hoa receiving 150 billion VND. In parallel with financial support, the Ministry of Finance immediately released 4,000 tons of rice from the national reserve to alleviate hunger among people in the flooded areas.
The warm spirit of "mutual support and compassion" among Vietnamese people in times of hardship.
On the local level, the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province has urgently allocated an additional 112 billion VND to communes and wards to help people overcome the immediate consequences, including purchasing food, drinking water, essential supplies, and supporting families with casualties.
This decisive action demonstrates the highest level of responsibility of the government, ensuring that national resources are mobilized as quickly as possible, providing material and spiritual support to help the people overcome the immediate difficulties.
Many organizations have called for donations and, together with local people, have delivered aid directly to those affected by the floods.
Besides government support, it is the solidarity of the community that is the invaluable source of moral support. Millions of people across the country have reached out to Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.
Many organizations and individuals in Khanh Hoa and other provinces have proactively sent vehicles carrying essential supplies, necessities, and medicine to flood victims. From temples to youth union members, everyone actively participated in cooking and distributing essential supplies, overcoming difficulties to deliver them directly to those who truly needed them.
The sentiment of the Vietnamese people
The spirit of sharing is also demonstrated through noble actions between provinces and cities. While Lam Dong is also suffering heavy damage, the Government has still assigned Quang Ninh province to directly provide emergency assistance of 50 billion VND to Lam Dong to repair houses and infrastructure. Similarly, Khanh Hoa has also received support from neighboring provinces.
Natural disasters can test human resilience, but they also highlight the Vietnamese spirit. During these days of heavy rain and flooding, this spirit is profoundly demonstrated, spreading powerfully, instilling faith and determination, and upholding the principle of "no one left behind" in the fight to overcome the consequences of natural disasters and rebuild life in Khanh Hoa and other flood-affected provinces.
