Hardships Fade, Human Kindness Remains
Following the disruption and hardship caused by natural disasters, Lam Dong has embarked on the difficult task of reconstruction. Amid the struggle, however, the affected communities have been strengthened by countless acts of support from across the province and the country. Smiles are gradually returning, and green fields are coming back to life.
Extending Hands of Compassion
The past year closed with unforgettable memories for Lam Dong. Natural disasters struck unexpectedly, and within a short period, many localities had to cope with flooding, landslides, and disrupted transportation. Worry was etched on the faces of residents everywhere.
Yet in the midst of those trials, Lam Dong was not alone. While floodwaters had not yet fully receded, convoys of humanitarian aid were already on their way from provinces and cities nationwide. Rice, instant noodles, drinking water, warm clothing, and medicines were delivered to flood-hit communities with genuine care and solidarity.
Within the province, the spirit of “the healthy leaves protect the torn ones” spread widely. Less-affected areas willingly shared with those suffering greater losses. Youth volunteers and armed forces braved risks to help evacuate people, clean up homes, and address the aftermath.
Lam Dong’s Women’s Union quickly mobilized resources, organizing relief convoys carrying nearly 40 tons of essential goods to affected areas. Recalling those journeys, Vice Chairwoman Phan Thi Vi Van shared emotionally: “Only when witnessing the devastation firsthand do we truly understand the hardship people endure. We worked day and night, simply hoping relief would reach them as quickly as possible, right when they needed it most.”
Responding to the call of the Fatherland Front, people from all walks of life contributed — “those who had more gave more; those who had less gave less.” Even difficult localities like Dam Rong enthusiastically donated agricultural produce.
When some areas were still isolated, relief teams found ways to reach them. Hot meals, clean water, and clothing were delivered directly to families in need. These gifts did more than ease hunger and cold; they carried warmth and reassurance. In D’ran Commune, immediately after the water receded, thousands of meals and supplies arrived. Mai Linh Son, Chairman of the Commune Fatherland Front, said movingly: “We had never seen floods like this — but we have truly felt the warmth of human kindness.”
Amid continuous storms, the Politburo activated a special assistance mechanism, assigning fiscally strong provinces to support those severely affected. Quang Ninh Province was tasked with assisting Lam Dong. From more than 1,500 kilometers away, over VND 50 billion and more than 200 tons of goods were sent promptly. Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Council, Nghiem Xuan Cuong, affirmed: “Despite the distance, the affection of our Party organization, authorities, and people for Lam Dong remains deep and enduring.”
The provincial Red Cross acted swiftly as a humanitarian bridge, distributing assistance equitably and efficiently. Central and provincial leaders visited affected households, offering encouragement and strengthening confidence in difficult times. Even as homes were still covered in mud, gifts from afar provided timely motivation for people to stand up again.
Green Shoots Rising from the Mud
When the rains stopped and water receded, Lam Dong faced immense tasks: clearing debris, restoring infrastructure, repairing homes, and rehabilitating farmland — in some places almost from scratch. Yet adversity only bolstered people’s determination. Without waiting or giving up, residents worked side by side. New rows of vegetables were planted, and young shoots appeared, bringing renewed hope.
Timely state support and social resources fueled this recovery. After the historic floods, the province launched “Quang Trung Campaign,” rapidly rebuilding homes for affected families. Sweat from soldiers, police, and militia translated into bricks laid and walls rising.
In D’ran Commune, 17 collapsed homes were rebuilt, and 29 others were repaired. As the year drew to a close, under warm sunlight, Nguyen Quoc Duy was delighted to see his new 50-square-meter home completed. Floodwaters had swept away everything, and even his 3-month-old child endured the evacuation. The new home has become a foundation for the family’s stability and recovery.
Standing before her rebuilt home, 60-year-old Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thom recalled the hardships with deep emotion. Her recently renovated house had collapsed in the flood. She said: “No one wishes for disasters, but fortunately we received so much care and support. Soldiers helped rebuild our home. Monastics and benefactors visited and provided relief. Previously, when seeing disasters in Central Vietnam, I also donated what I could. I never imagined that one day, when misfortune struck my family, people from the Central and Northern regions would extend such heartfelt support.”
From early October to mid-December, the provincial Fatherland Front received more than VND 220 billion from agencies, businesses, and localities nationwide. Permanent Vice Chairman Pham Trieu emphasized: “These contributions reflect not only material aid but also solidarity and compassion. Funds will be consolidated and distributed promptly, transparently, and to the right beneficiaries.”
At the same time, the provincial People’s Committee allocated 1,000 tons of national reserve rice to 41 heavily affected localities and implemented long-term production recovery measures. Seeds and agricultural inputs were delivered directly to farmers. From the mud, green life has slowly returned.
The year 2026 begins with renewed hope. Lam Dong moves forward not only with determination to develop socio-economically, but also with a profound legacy of unity and compassion forged through adversity. Hardships eventually pass, but human kindness endures — warm, steady, and spreading like golden sunlight across the hills at the dawn of a new year.