Lao Cai (VNA) - In the wake of severe losses caused by successive natural disasters, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai is mobilising all available resources and rolling out comprehensive measures to help affected residents stabilise their lives.
Responding to the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s call for the “Quang Trung Campaign,” the provincial Party Committee has urged authorities at all levels to act with urgency, resolve and effectiveness, striving to complete the construction and repair of homes for flood-hit households before the Lunar New Year 2026.
The recent historic floods caused heavy devastation in Viet Hong commune, a former revolutionary base area in Lao Cai. Across the commune, one person was killed, 283 households were damaged, more than 105 hectares of crops were wiped out, 106 hectares of aquaculture ponds were damaged, and over 12,000 livestock and poultry were swept away. Total losses were estimated at around 30 billion VND ($1.14 billion), excluding damage to infrastructure.
Nearly three months on, residents are still haunted by the disasters. Yet with the close attention of Party committees and authorities, the support of political and social organisations, and the compassion of benefactors, Viet Hong is gradually recovering. Villages are coming back to life, and the dream of safe new homes is becoming a reality.
Ha Thi Khang, a resident of the commune’s Na hamlet, recalled the terrifying afternoon when a sudden landslide claimed the life of her husband and destroyed their house. Thanks to the care of relatives, neighbours and local authorities, she and her two sons are regaining their footing. With support from authorities and donors, the family is set to move into a safe new home before the Lunar New Year (Tet), giving her renewed strength to rebuild their future.
Similarly, the family of Hoang Van Truong, also in Na hamlet, relocated due to the risk of landslides. Standing before his nearly completed house, Truong said that while disasters leave deep scars, they also reveal profound solidarity. The support of authorities, relatives and benefactors has helped his family persevere, aiming to complete the house in time for Tet so his wife and children can celebrate with peace of mind.
According to Nguyen Van Thoi, head of Na hamlet, floods and landslides claimed one life and forced six households to relocate. He said the relocation and housing support policies reflect the humane care from authorities, giving residents the confidence to overcome hardship and rebuild their lives.
Racing against time
Under the impact of Storm Bualoi, Viet Hong commune saw two houses collapse completely and 42 households relocated from high-risk areas. By December 26, construction had begun on all 35 relocated houses, with one completed and the rest scheduled for completion before February 10, 2026. More than 3.5 billion VND has been allocated, with timely disbursement to affected households.
These days, a sense of urgency pervades Viet Hong as local authorities mobilise police, military personnel, youth volunteers and residents to help build homes. Secretary of the commune Party Committee Hoang Manh Ha said the commune will continue to accelerate construction, supervise quality and timelines, and mobilise community support under the spirit of solidarity to help families stabilise their lives.
Across Lao Cai, disasters in 2025 damaged 1,178 houses. As of December 26, all 83 collapsed homes have received support, with most already rebuilt. With the concerted efforts of the political system, timely central support and strong community solidarity, the Quang Trung Campaign in Lao Cai is being implemented effectively, enabling hundreds of flood-hit households to welcome Tet 2026 in safe, warm new homes and look ahead to a hopeful new year./.
