Nghe An people head to the northern flood areas

Fire of love from flood areas

banh chung 2 — People in Anh Son and Nhan Hoa communes... wrap banh chung to send to flood victims in Thai Nguyen . Photo: CSCC

In early October, when images of floods raging across the northern provinces such as Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh , Lang Son... continuously appeared on the news, people in Nghe An, which had just experienced a severe flood, were busy in the kitchen, lighting up pots of Chung cakes to send to remote flood areas.

Immediately after the Anh Son Online Charity Group launched the program "Sending Banh Chung to Flooded Areas", hundreds of people from communes of (former Anh Son district), children working far from home and benefactors across the country responded positively. Some contributed sticky rice, some contributed meat, some collected dong leaves, binding strips, and firewood. Men took care of the firewood, women skillfully wrapped the cakes, and the elderly and children helped.

Chung cake — People here have just experienced a terrible flood and suffered a lot of damage, but when they heard about the floods in the northern provinces, they joined hands to wrap relief cakes. Photo: CSCC

“Watching the news about people in the North being submerged in water, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I’ve just experienced the flood and understand the suffering. Now that I can help a little, I feel relieved,” said Thanh Phuong, a member of the volunteer group.

Last night, more than 50 people stayed up all night by the fire. The red firelight illuminated their radiant faces and their hands quickly wrapped each square cake, smelling of new sticky rice. In the morning, hundreds of pairs of green banh chung and tons of goods were loaded onto trucks, preparing for the trip to Thai Nguyen, where many communes are still struggling to overcome the consequences of the flood.

fiery red — The red-hot stoves cook cakes in time for relief trucks to go to Thai Nguyen. Photo: CSCC

Mr. Bui Cong Chinh, Deputy Head of Anh Son Online Charity Group, said: “We have donated nearly 7 tons of goods, including banh chung, instant noodles, bread, drinking water, etc. People in the flooded areas are in dire need of clean water and necessities, so even though they have just experienced floods, everyone is willing to contribute their efforts and money.”

In the middle of a chilly autumn night, those red-hot fires not only cook each batch of cakes, but also warm people’s hearts. That image moves many people, because in difficult times, Nghe An people still choose to give love.

Spreading solidarity in times of trouble

In recent days, in many other places of Nghe An, charitable actions have quietly taken place, connecting the Central region with the North by humane ties.

Ms. Bich Diep processed 100 boxes of dried fish with peanuts to send to the field kitchen in Bac Ninh. Photo: TP

In Thanh Vinh ward, Mrs. Bich Diep's small porridge shop has been working quietly all night in addition to selling goods, to prepare more than 100 boxes of dried fish and peanuts to send to the field kitchen of the Nghe An Free Ambulance Team, which is cooking thousands of relief meals in Bac Ninh. "I'm old and can't go, so I can only contribute this rustic dish to send. Consider it a little bit of the heart of someone who stays behind, hoping that the people out there will suffer less," Mrs. Diep said tearfully.

In Cua Lo ward, Ms. Phuong Thao, owner of a small hotel, also quietly contributed in her own way. As soon as she heard that volunteer groups from the provinces were leaving for the North, she posted an announcement to open 10 free rooms, enough for 40-50 people to stay overnight. “Helping people is not only about money, but also about providing conditions for others to continue doing good deeds. A good night’s sleep can sometimes be a great boost for the journey of love,” Thao said.

rice 1 — Over the past 3 days, the Nghe An Free Ambulance Team's field kitchen has cooked thousands of relief meals. Photo: CSCC

Meanwhile, in the deeply flooded area of Bo Ha (Bac Ninh), the uniforms of the “Nghe An zero-dong ambulance team” have reappeared. For the past three days, they have been working hard with the local authorities to help people in the flooded areas: setting up field kitchens, cooking thousands of meals, delivering relief goods, and evacuating the elderly and children.

Contacted by phone, Ms. Ho Thi Tam, a team member currently in Bac Ninh, said: “The water was deep and flowing fast, the roads were cut off, so we had to use boats to transport rice and relief goods to each hamlet. There was a woman in labor, and we were able to take her to the hospital safely. Everyone was tired, but no one complained because they felt their work was meaningful.”

Relief and supply shipments from Nghe An people to flood victims in Bac Ninh. Photo: CSCC

In the midst of the vast flood, the image of Nghe An people wading through the water, braving the rain to bring lunch boxes and water bottles to the people moved many people. It was a continuation of the spirit of “the less fortunate help the more disadvantaged”, a tradition that is deeply ingrained in the blood of Nghe An people.

Although the people of Nghe An are still in disarray after the floods at the end of September, they are still willing to give their little to others. They understand better than anyone the feeling of loss and struggling in the midst of the silver water, so they want to share even more. The stories in Anh Son, Thanh Vinh, Cua Lo or the free ambulance trips... are just small pieces in the big picture of kindness in Nghe An. There, people clearly see a spirit of sharing, not waiting for abundance, but knowing how to give even in difficult times. Maybe the material sent is not much, but it contains deep feelings, helping those struggling in the flood feel supported and loved.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nguoi-dan-nghe-an-huong-ve-vung-lu-phia-bac-10307977.html