D'ran Turns Green Again After the Devastating Flood

Mai Linh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of D'ran Commune, still recalls the historic flood that devastated the local community. Seventeen houses were completely destroyed, 29 others severely damaged, and more than 1,000 hectares of crops were wiped out, causing losses estimated at VND427 billion.

With support from the State, damaged homes have gradually been rebuilt and repaired, while local residents have quickly restored farming activities. Yet one of the greatest regrets for the people of D'ran was the severe damage inflicted on the area's once-beautiful roads and flower-lined streets.

“The flood came so suddenly and with such force that even houses were swept away or collapsed, so it was impossible for the flower gardens and roadside landscapes to survive. After the flood, people had to rebuild their homes, clean up the environment and restore their fields. But alongside efforts to revive the local economy, we also quickly began rebuilding our beautiful flower-lined roads,” Son said.

Rows of ornamental areca palms, cosmos flowers, bougainvillea and various climbing plants have been replanted in roadside flower beds and along village roads.

“After months of planting and caring for them, the flowers are blooming again. The former beauty of this land is gradually returning,” he added proudly.

Nguyen Van Nghia, a resident of Duong Moi Hamlet, was among those whose families suffered heavy losses during the flood. Nearly half of the house where he and his wife lived collapsed.

“Fortunately, with support from the State and assistance from soldiers, we were able to rebuild a solid new home. Like other residents of Duong Moi Hamlet, once our lives had stabilized, we quickly began planting and caring for ornamental flowers again,” Nghia said.

“Duong Moi used to have many beautiful landscaped areas. After the flood swept through, not a single plant was left. With support from the commune and through our own efforts, families bought or found seedlings and planted them again. Now, during this rainy season, the plants have taken root, sprouted fresh green shoots and begun to bloom beautifully.”

According to Tran Kien, Chairman of the D'ran Commune Farmers' Association, the goal is not simply to plant new trees and flowers, but also to care for them so they can grow strong, take root and flourish, restoring the beauty of the local community.

“The Farmers' Association has developed a model of flower-lined roads that are bright, green, clean and beautiful, helping restore the charm of this old township at the foot of the mountain pass. We have selected flowering plants that are resilient, attractive and suitable for local conditions, making them easier for residents to grow and maintain,” Kien said.

According to Mai Linh Son, not every hamlet in D'ran Commune was directly hit by the flood with the same level of destruction. However, almost all communities were affected in some way, while roadside flowers and trees were particularly vulnerable to heavy rain and strong winds.

For that reason, D'ran has identified environmental restoration, including the replanting of flowers and ornamental trees, as an important task alongside economic recovery and livelihood reconstruction.

Local organizations and people from all walks of life — including farmers, women and young people — have joined hands to replant and care for flower-lined roads throughout the commune.

“After the devastating flood, life has become more difficult and challenging for the people of D'ran. But the local tradition of loving flowers, greenery and the peaceful beauty of our homeland continues to thrive,” Son said.

“We are restoring the beauty of roads in Hoa Binh, Duong Moi, Lac Thien and Lam Tuyen hamlets, among others, so that green spaces will continue to flourish across this historic land along the Da Nhim River.”

Diep Quynh