In the wake of devastating floods and storms that swept through northern Vietnam this October, communities in Thái Nguyên and Cao Bằng provinces are rallying with an outpouring of support from both public institutions and private benefactors. The scale of the disaster, described by local leaders as historic, has prompted swift action and heartfelt generosity, underscoring the resilience and solidarity of the Vietnamese people in times of crisis.
On October 16, 2025, Báo Xây dựng (the Construction Newspaper) and a coalition of sponsors announced that they had successfully mobilized more than 2.4 billion VND (over 1 billion VND in cash and approximately 1.4 billion VND in goods) to aid those affected by the catastrophic flooding in Thái Nguyên province, according to Báo Giao Thông. The fundraising campaign, which lasted just a week, saw enthusiastic participation from the newspaper’s staff, members of the construction sector, and numerous philanthropists. The funds and goods are being distributed directly to communities most in need, providing a crucial lifeline as the region begins to recover.
“This is the heartfelt contribution of philanthropists, of those working at Báo Xây dựng, and of construction sector officials for the people of Thái Nguyên’s flood-hit areas,” shared Editor-in-Chief Nguyễn Thị Hồng Nga, as cited by Báo Giao Thông. The relief package is comprehensive: eight houses are being built at 40 million VND each, three more are being fully rebuilt at 120 million VND apiece, and 420 gift packages (each worth 1 million VND in cash) are being distributed along with 5 tons of rice, 6.5 tons of instant food from Masan Group, milk, and other essential supplies.
The effort is being coordinated in close collaboration with the Thái Nguyên Provincial Fatherland Front Committee and the Provincial People’s Committee, whose leaders have played a central role in the emergency response. Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, Phạm Hoàng Sơn, described the flooding as a “historic event with a frequency of once in 250 years,” emphasizing that “no infrastructure could withstand the sheer volume of water.”
According to Chairman Sơn, the local government’s response was immediate and hands-on. “To respond, the leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and the People’s Committee stayed and worked directly from their offices to oversee the relief operations,” he explained. “At the most challenging moments, the ‘four-on-the-spot’ strategy was maximized: wherever was safest and closest, people were evacuated there, and the community supported each other. Thanks to this, we minimized loss of life and property.”
Support from the military was also vital. “With the help of more than 50,000 soldiers and other forces, we managed to clean up roads and restore electricity and water within three days after the flood,” Sơn recounted. The rapid restoration of basic services helped prevent further hardship and allowed the focus to shift quickly toward rebuilding.
The gratitude for this support was palpable. Chairman Sơn expressed his thanks to Báo Xây dựng and all sponsors for their partnership and compassion. He also called on the media to continue playing a proactive role: “I hope Báo Xây dựng will keep serving as a channel for timely information, helping the province address any issues as they arise and better serve our people. The press should also highlight exemplary stories, promote economic recovery solutions, and counteract harmful misinformation before, during, and after such disasters.”
On October 16, representatives from Báo Xây dựng and their sponsors traveled directly to hard-hit communities, including the communes of Tràng Xá and Thần Sa, to deliver support to affected families. The team also provided aid to construction workers in Thái Nguyên who were impacted by the flooding, recognizing the vital role these workers play in rebuilding efforts.
Images from the relief mission show moments of solidarity and shared resolve: Editor-in-Chief Nguyễn Thị Hồng Nga offering words of comfort to local officials and residents; Chairman Sơn visibly moved by the outpouring of support; and representatives from the sponsoring organizations standing alongside community members as they distribute supplies and financial aid.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Cao Bằng province, the Ministry of Public Security has also stepped in to provide critical assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters. On October 15, 2025, Colonel Nguyễn Quang Vinh, Director of the Provincial Police, delivered financial support on behalf of the Ministry’s leadership to help residents recover from the devastation. According to the Ministry’s official website, this gesture reflects “a deep sense of responsibility and solidarity from the Ministry of Public Security toward people affected by natural disasters.”
The Ministry has directed its entire force to actively mobilize resources and provide timely support to localities struck by floods, aiming to stabilize lives and support socio-economic development in the wake of the crisis. The coordinated response has included not only emergency relief but also ongoing social welfare programs and support for housing construction, ensuring that communities can rebuild and regain a sense of normalcy.
Vũ Đình Quang, Chairman of the Cao Bằng Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, expressed his deep appreciation for the Ministry’s continued backing. “Alongside direct support for people in disaster-affected areas, the Ministry of Public Security has always stood by Cao Bằng through many social welfare programs, housing construction initiatives, and efforts to help people stabilize their lives in the long term,” he said. Quang also pledged that the financial aid would be “allocated and used properly, timely, and effectively to help disaster-affected people overcome difficulties.”
The combined efforts in Thái Nguyên and Cao Bằng highlight a broader national approach to disaster relief in Vietnam, where government agencies, the military, the media, and private citizens join forces to respond to emergencies. Such collaboration is not only practical but also deeply rooted in the country’s sense of community and mutual responsibility.
As the floodwaters recede, the focus is shifting from immediate relief to long-term recovery and resilience. The rebuilding of homes, restoration of livelihoods, and repair of critical infrastructure will require sustained commitment. Yet, the events of October 2025 have demonstrated that—when faced with extraordinary challenges—the people of northern Vietnam can count on the unwavering support of their compatriots, institutions, and partners, both near and far.
In the end, the story of this disaster is not just about loss, but also about the enduring strength and generosity that emerge when communities come together to rebuild and move forward.