From the night of June 29 to the morning of June 30, 2025, the Nam Hoa commune in Dong Hy district and the Linh Son commune in Thai Nguyen city experienced a relentless downpour that led to severe localized flooding. The heavy rains caused water levels to rise dramatically, isolating hundreds of households and disrupting daily life for many residents.
Among the most tragic consequences of this flooding was the loss of two young children. On the morning of June 30, while playing near the floodwaters, two boys—Tu Minh Huong, born in 2014, and Lang Duc Anh, born in 2012, both residents of Hoang Gia hamlet in Nam Hoa commune—were swept away by the fast-rising waters. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and underscored the dangers posed by the unpredictable weather.
As soon as authorities received the distressing news, the Thai Nguyen Provincial Military Command, in close coordination with Commando Battalion 20 of Military Region 1, sprang into action. Nearly 100 cadres and soldiers were mobilized, supported by dozens of motorboats and specialized equipment, to conduct search and rescue operations in the flooded areas.
The rescue teams combed through the suspected accident zones, meticulously searching for the missing children. Simultaneously, they provided essential supplies such as food and water to those stranded by the floods and assisted in evacuating residents from the most severely affected zones to safer locations. Despite the challenging conditions and rapidly changing weather, the forces remained steadfast in their mission.
By noon on June 30, the bodies of the two boys were recovered, bringing a somber close to the search efforts. This heartbreaking outcome deeply affected the local community and authorities alike.
In the afternoon, Mr. Nguyen Linh, Vice Chairman of the Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee, personally visited the families of the deceased children in Hoang Gia hamlet. Accompanied by leaders from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, various provincial sectors, as well as representatives from Dong Hy district and Nam Hoa commune, he extended heartfelt condolences and offered support to help the families cope with their immense loss. The local leaders also provided initial financial assistance as a gesture of solidarity and encouragement during this difficult time.
While the floodwaters have begun to recede, over 20 households in Nam Hoa commune remain isolated due to lingering high water levels. Rescue and relief teams continue their efforts to reach these areas, providing aid and ensuring residents' safety. Authorities remain vigilant, preparing for further complex weather developments expected in the coming days.
The flooding has also severely impacted infrastructure and transportation in the region. Numerous roads and residential areas in Thai Nguyen city and surrounding communes were submerged, causing significant disruptions. Many vehicles, including cars, stalled in the floodwaters, and some homes experienced water intrusion, compounding the hardships for affected families.
Local officials have issued urgent warnings to residents, especially parents and guardians, to exercise heightened caution during the flood season. They stressed the importance of supervising children closely and keeping them away from deep or fast-flowing waters to prevent further tragedies. The recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters and the need for community vigilance.
The Thai Nguyen Provincial Military Command and local authorities have pledged to maintain their support for affected communities, continuing rescue operations and providing necessary supplies. They also emphasized the importance of following official guidance and monitoring weather updates to safeguard lives and property.
This devastating event has cast a shadow over the region but has also highlighted the resilience and dedication of rescue workers and local officials committed to protecting their communities amid challenging circumstances.