People helping people: Free services aid disaster recovery in south-central Vietnam

Dak Lak, which was the hardest-hit province, endured an exceptionally severe spell of flooding from November 15 to November 21.

It was the province's largest flood event in decades, rising 1.5 meters above the historic level recorded in 1993.

The disaster resulted in 63 fatalities and extensive damage in the province, with local livelihoods, production, and critical infrastructure severely affected.

Free repair

Recently, a group of mechanics from Ho Chi Minh City arrived to help repair vehicles for free.

At the Dong Hoa Culture, Sports, and Broadcasting Center in Dong Hoa Ward, hundreds of motorbikes filled the courtyard waiting for repair after being submerged in floodwaters.

"We arrived on Wednesday morning and the number of vehicles waiting is so high that the lot is completely full," said Nguyen Thach Thuan, 35, who joined a group of nearly 30 people from Ho Chi Minh City offering free vehicle repairs at the venue.

“However many people bring in, we fix them all. We just work non-stop.

“Since we are staying here, whenever we finish eating or resting we get right back to work.”

Beyond witnessing the heartbreaking scenes across the flood-hit south-central region, Thuan said his father provided an additional source of motivation.

"My father is a war veteran and many of his comrades live here,” Thuan said.

“When he heard I was coming to repair vehicles for free he was very happy and told me to help however I could.”

Cranking up a mud covered motorbike, Thuan said each vehicle requires 30 minutes to two hours depending on the condition.

If parts are unavailable or the damage is too severe, the bike is set aside and the owner is informed.

All other vehicles are repaired quickly so residents have transportation again.

"I run a vocational training center for vehicle repair, so we have a large team of skilled mechanics," Thuan said.

“As soon as I shared the idea of helping people in the flood-hit areas, everyone agreed.

“The devastation here is overwhelming, but the people are sincere and kind.

“While fixing their vehicles we also get to talk with them and feel more attached to the community.”

Thuan and his team plan to offer free repairs in Phu Yen for about one week.

At Hai repair shop on Lac Long Quan Street in Phu Yen Ward, dozens of refrigerators and washing machines were stacked from the storefront to the sidewalk.

Owner Nguyen Van Hai, 34, said he reopened immediately after the floodwaters receded to repair home appliances free of charge.

Hai said flooded refrigerators often suffer circuit board failures that take 15-30 minutes to fix, while washing machines take two to three hours.

"We provide free labor. For people living far from the shop, we travel to their homes,” Hai said.

“For appliances with severe damage we inform the owners and only charge for replacement parts, not labor.

“Many people try to give us money but we insist on refusing because they need to save every bit for post-flood expenses.”

Homestay turns into free lodging for volunteer teams

While arranging bedding in the guest rooms with his staff, Doan Cao Vu, 53, owner of Nau House Homestay on Le Duan Street in Tuy Hoa Ward, said he and his wife wanted to show their gratitude to volunteer groups and donors coming to support flood-affected communities.

They decided to offer two of their homestay units as free accommodation.

"They come to our hometown to help and support our people. We were deeply moved, so we turned our homestay into a place for them to rest as our way of saying thank you,” Vu said.

“They work all day covered in mud and are exhausted, so they need a place to sleep and clean up. 

"This is a simple gesture, nothing grand.”

Vu added that the homestay had previously welcomed volunteer teams during storm Kalmaegi early this month.

Later, during the subsequent floods, it also served as a shelter for families whose homes were inundated.

The homestay has hosted dozens of volunteer groups, and all rooms are now full.

With a capacity of up to 60 people, at times the facility has had to accommodate as many as 70 guests.

"Most groups stay for one night, while some stay three nights depending on their work,” Vu said.

“We want to provide volunteer teams with the best conditions possible to help our people.”

His wife, Nguyet, said all rooms are cleaned daily to ensure visitors can rest comfortably.

"We have also posted the information on our social media page and in community groups so more volunteer teams know they can stop by and rest," she said.

Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, 35, and her team of 14 from former Quang Binh Province, arrived in Phu Yen on November 25 and left the next day.

"We were able to provide support in communes such as Xuan Phuoc and Hoa Thinh,” Huyen said.

“During this trip, we were very fortunate to receive the warm hospitality of Vu and his wife, who offered us free lodging.

“They even checked in on us and offered encouragement.”