In the aftermath of relentless storms and flooding across central Vietnam, communities in Thanh Hóa and Huế have been left reeling, facing not only the immediate destruction of property but also the daunting task of rebuilding lives and livelihoods. The recent wave of natural disasters has hit hardest those already vulnerable—families still suffering from the lingering effects of war-era toxic chemicals and those living in poverty. Yet, amid the devastation, a wave of solidarity and support has swept in, offering hope and practical assistance to those most in need.
According to Nhân Dân, Thanh Hóa province has experienced a string of storms, heavy rains, and floods, resulting in significant property loss and widespread disruption. Particularly affected are households carrying the long-term burdens of Agent Orange/dioxin exposure—an enduring legacy of the Vietnam War. Recognizing the immense challenges faced by these families, the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin stepped forward with a targeted relief initiative. The association allocated a total of 100 million VND to support house repairs and provide essential gifts to victims across the province.
At a recent event held at the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Thanh Hóa, Lieutenant General Nguyễn Hữu Chính, who serves as a member of the Presidium and as Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, personally delivered 35 million VND to the family of Mr. Lê Đình Dễnh in Quảng Chính commune. Mr. Dễnh, himself a victim of Agent Orange/dioxin, will use the funds to repair his damaged home. In addition, gifts amounting to 12 million VND were distributed to 10 victims who had suffered from the recent storms and floods. The association has announced that the remaining funds will be coordinated with local authorities for direct distribution to other affected families in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, in Huế, the scale and speed of the response have been equally remarkable. On November 11, 2025, a high-profile delegation from Ho Chi Minh City, led by Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Nguyễn Phước Lộc, arrived in Huế to deliver a substantial aid package. As reported by Tuổi Trẻ, the delegation brought with them 20 billion VND in relief funds to help Huế recover from the latest bout of flooding.
During the handover ceremony, Mr. Nguyễn Phước Lộc spoke movingly of the connection between the two cities. "We hope that this support will contribute to helping Huế quickly stabilize life, restore production, and continue to develop, worthy of its position as a cultural and tourism center of the country," he stated. Mr. Lộc emphasized that the donation was not just a financial gesture, but an expression of deep solidarity from the Party, government, and people of Ho Chi Minh City toward their compatriots in Central Vietnam.
The Huế city government, for its part, expressed heartfelt gratitude for this timely and meaningful support. Vice Chairman of Huế People's Committee, Nguyễn Chí Tài, described the aid as a "great spiritual motivation" that would help the city overcome immediate hardships, resume production, and care for citizens in the wake of the disaster. He also confirmed that the city has been mobilizing all available resources to address the aftermath of the floods, ensuring environmental sanitation and prioritizing support for the most severely affected households.
The assistance from Ho Chi Minh City is being distributed through a variety of channels to maximize its impact. Of the 20 billion VND, 300 million VND has been earmarked for repairs at Tây Lộc Kindergarten in Phú Xuân ward—a facility that serves some of the city’s youngest and most vulnerable residents. Two families in Lộc An commune will receive 200 million VND to help rebuild their homes, while 78 poor households in Phú Xuân ward are each being given 2 million VND in cash and gifts. Additionally, 20 kindergarten children are receiving support packages worth 2 million VND each, including both cash and essential goods.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Huế awarded Ho Chi Minh City’s committee with the "Tấm lòng vàng" (Golden Heart) certificate, recognizing the generosity and compassion of the southern metropolis. The phrase "nghĩa tình phương Nam, hướng về miền Trung ruột thịt"—roughly translated as "Southern affection towards Central Vietnam"—has become a rallying cry, encapsulating the spirit of unity that underpins these relief efforts.
These acts of kindness and solidarity are not isolated incidents but part of a broader tradition of mutual support in Vietnam, especially in times of crisis. The swift mobilization of resources and the direct involvement of high-ranking officials underscore the seriousness with which both local and national organizations are treating the situation. For the victims—whether struggling with the aftermath of war or the immediate devastation of natural disasters—such support is not only a lifeline but also a powerful reminder that they are not alone.
For many in Thanh Hóa, the challenges are compounded by the lasting health and economic consequences of exposure to toxic chemicals. The Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin’s decision to focus aid on house repairs and essential gifts reflects an understanding of the complex, interwoven hardships these families face. As Lieutenant General Nguyễn Hữu Chính noted during the recent handover, the aim is to "encourage the spirit of overcoming difficulties and share hardships with dioxin victims and families affected by storms." The association’s ongoing efforts to coordinate with localities for further direct support promise continued relief for those still struggling to recover.
In Huế, the focus has been on both immediate relief and long-term recovery. The city’s leadership has pledged to use the donated funds efficiently, with a clear priority on households that have suffered the greatest losses. The repair of kindergartens, provision of housing assistance, and direct aid to poor families are all part of a comprehensive strategy to not only restore normalcy but also strengthen the community’s resilience against future disasters.
As central Vietnam faces the dual challenges of natural disasters and historical legacies, the coordinated response from across the country offers a glimmer of hope. The outpouring of support—from financial aid to heartfelt words of encouragement—demonstrates the enduring power of community and the deep bonds that unite the Vietnamese people. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, solidarity and compassion can light the way forward.
With recovery efforts ongoing and further aid on the horizon, the people of Thanh Hóa and Huế are finding strength in unity, determined to rebuild their lives and communities, one step at a time.
