In Vietnam, grandmother cycles to bring 20kg of rice to flood relief effort despite own home being flooded
At 72, Tran Thi Que is not letting her own troubles stop her from helping neighbors hit hard by floods in central Vietnam.
Tran Thi Que, 72, rides a bicycle carrying a 20kg bag of rice to donate to flood-affected residents in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, October 2025. Photo: Handout via local resident
On Friday afternoon, the elderly woman loaded a 20-kilogram bag of rice onto her bicycle and pedaled more than five kilometers through her flood-affected village in Nghia Hanh Commune, Nghe An Province.
She arrived at the local police station and asked officers to deliver the rice to flood victims.
“My house was flooded too, but the water receded enough for me to make the trip,” Que said.
“I don’t have much, but I want to share what I can with those still suffering.”
A woman looks out from her home submerged by floodwaters in Nghia Hanh Commune, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, October 2025. Photo: Doan Hoa / Tuoi Tre
Heavy rains from storm Bualoi caused the local Con River to swell, submerging 18 of Nghia Hanh’s 21 hamlets.
Many families were stranded on rooftops, awaiting rescue as floodwaters rose rapidly overnight on September 29.
By Saturday, waters had begun to recede, allowing relief workers to access remote villages by road and deliver aid.
Local authorities called on the wider community to assist flood victims.
Families share a meal while sheltering from heavy rains at the home of a local resident in Yen Luom Hamlet, Quy Hop Commune, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, October 2025. Photo: Tam Pham
“This is the worst flood we have seen here in living memory,” said Nguyen Xuan Nam, chairman of the Nghia Hanh People’s Committee.
“Most households suffered severe damage, and many residents had to climb onto their roofs to wait for help.”
Photos of Que’s bicycle journey and her donation quickly spread on social media, drawing widespread admiration.
Nearby, in Quy Hop Commune, over 30 people from more than 10 households temporarily relocated to higher ground after floods cut off their homes.
As floodwaters recede, residents are beginning to return home and rebuild, grateful for the community spirit that has helped them weather the crisis.
Bao Anh - Doan Hoa / Tuoi Tre News