Joining hands to support the people of Yen Bai in recovery after the storm

Last weekend, the FSOFT team visited, encouraged, and presented gifts to 8 families severely affected by Typhoon Yagi in Minh Bao and Au Lau communes, Yen Bai province. Among them was the family of Mr. Le Trung Kien (FI.REC), a native of Yen Bai who currently lives and works at FSOFT Da Nang.

Immediately after Cucumber published an urgent notice: “Receiving information about FSOFTers and families severely impacted by floods for timely support”, Mr. Le Trung Kien (FI.REC) gathered all images and information from his hometown, Yen Bai, one of the hardest-hit areas by Typhoon Yagi, and sent it to the FSOFT Labor Union. Upon receiving and verifying the information, the Labor Union planned a charitable program themed “Connecting Love”, collaborating with local schools and residents to help rebuild their lives.

Mr. Kien’s house in Yen Bai is at the foot of a hill, surrounded by landslide risks, with water flooding up to two meters deep. His parents were fortunate to escape thanks to the support of neighbors. Upon welcoming the FSOFT volunteer team, Uncle Quang and Aunt Hien, Mr. Kien’s parents, were deeply moved. “Fortunately, our family did not suffer any significant damage. With the help of neighbors, we quickly stabilized our lives. Our children are all working in Da Nang and have continuously called to update us on the situation. With additional urgent support from FSOFT, we feel very reassured”, Uncle Quang shared.

Traversing several acres of grapefruit land, the team reached a makeshift bridge made of wooden planks and coconut trunks to visit Mr. Vu Ngoc Quynh’s family in Au Lau commune, Yen Bai. Their house, made of mud, was nestled in a secluded area with no nearby neighbors, just the elderly couple. When the storm hit, they managed to escape to higher ground. All their belongings were swept away, and local authorities and relatives spent many days helping them recover. Upon receiving support from the FSOFT team, the elderly couple was trembling with gratitude. “Thank you to all the kind-hearted people who have come to such remote places like this”, Mr. Quynh choked up.

In Group 6, Bao Tan hamlet, Bao Minh commune, the house of Ms. Tran Thi Phuong was completely destroyed after the storm. The family, consisting of an elderly mother, a daughter who is unable to work, and Ms. Phuong, had to flee the storm at night; everything was swept away by the flood, including their shelter. “Since the storm, the three of us have been staying at a neighbor’s house, moving from one house to another every few days. We’ve only been able to set up a makeshift kitchen for our daily needs. Fortunately, the local government and neighbors have been supportive, so we still have a place to eat and sleep”, Ms. Phuong recounted.

During this volunteer trip, the team also visited the families of Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhat, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Vinh, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, and Ms. Vu Ngoc Thuong to offer support and gifts. Each family has a unique situation, yet all strive to recover after the super typhoon that “has never been witnessed in the 60 years of life of a village elder here”.

In addition, the FSOFT team visited Minh Bao Primary and Secondary School and Au Lau Secondary School to distribute cakes, milk, and candy, as well as organize the “Happy Giga Run” activity, connecting students and teachers in joyful steps towards a future of unity, love, and sparkling hope.

Previously, the FSOFT Labor Union launched a movement to support flood victims in Northern Vietnam. Many gifts from FSOFTers were distributed to schools and families in the storm-affected area of Yen Bai. The “Connecting Love” charity trip once again highlighted the spirit of “the healthy helping the needy” and the principle of “leaving no one behind” among FSOFTers. It is hoped that through these urgent and practical actions, FSOFTers can help the community gain motivation, confidence, and quickly stabilize their lives.

Quế Yến