In the wake of severe flooding in Quang Binh province, central Vietnam, rescue teams have been tirelessly searching for victims swept away by floodwaters earlier this month. As of June 15, 2025, three bodies have been recovered from two separate tragic incidents in Minh Hoa and Bo Trach districts, with one victim still missing.
The first incident occurred on the night of June 12, 2025, when three women from Hamlet 3, Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, went frog catching during heavy rain and were caught by rapidly rising floodwaters. While one woman managed to swim to safety, two sisters, Ms. Truong Thi Du (born 1969) and Ms. Truong Thi Duc (born 1963), tragically disappeared in the flood.
After two days of intensive search efforts, authorities located the body of Ms. Duc around 2 PM on June 14, nearly one kilometer downstream from where the sisters were swept away. Then, at 5:30 AM on June 15, rescue teams found the body of Ms. Du, bringing some closure to the grieving family and community. Local officials promptly handed over the bodies and provided support for burials in accordance with local customs, underscoring the deep respect for cultural traditions even amidst tragedy.
Simultaneously, another devastating event unfolded in Bo Trach district. On the early morning of June 13, 2025, Mr. Nguyen Van Chuc (born 1964) and his wife, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngam (born 1963), residents of Nhan Trach commune, went missing after being swept away by floodwaters while setting fishing nets on the Dinh River. This area, known for its fishing activities, became perilous due to the sudden rise in water levels caused by the heavy rains.
On June 14 at approximately 2 PM, locals discovered Mr. Chuc's body floating near the shore of Quang Phu commune beach in Dong Hoi city. The authorities swiftly coordinated with local residents to retrieve the body and complete the necessary legal procedures before returning it to the family for burial. However, Ms. Ngam, Mr. Chuc's wife, remains missing despite ongoing search efforts.
The dual tragedies have sent ripples through the local communities, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of floodwaters in this region during the rainy season. The intertwined fates of these families—two sisters caught in floodwaters while frog catching and a couple swept away while fishing—paint a poignant picture of the risks faced by residents whose livelihoods depend on the natural waterways.
Local officials from the People's Committees of Tan Hoa and Nhan Trach communes, along with the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of Minh Hoa district, have been at the forefront of the search and rescue operations. Their efforts, alongside those of local volunteers and family members, demonstrate a communal spirit in facing natural disasters.
Despite the recovery of three victims, the search continues for Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngam. The authorities remain hopeful yet cautious, aware of the challenges posed by the swollen rivers and unpredictable currents. The community’s prayers and support bolster the resolve of the rescue teams as they persist in their mission.
These incidents serve as a grim reminder of the hazards that floodwaters pose to rural communities in Vietnam. The rainy season often brings both life-sustaining water and deadly risks, particularly for those who work closely with rivers and streams. In recent years, climate variability has increased the frequency and intensity of such floods, making preparedness and rapid response ever more critical.
Moreover, the events underscore the importance of public awareness and safety measures during flood seasons. While traditional livelihoods like fishing and foraging remain vital, they also expose individuals to significant dangers when weather conditions deteriorate. Authorities have been urging residents to exercise caution and avoid risky activities during periods of heavy rain and flooding.
As the search for the last missing victim continues, the stories of these families resonate throughout Quang Binh province. They remind us of the delicate balance between human endeavor and nature’s forces, and the enduring strength of communities united in the face of adversity.
