Spontaneous relief efforts in Ho Chi Minh City: Residents eager to support flood-hit communities

They hoped to provide timely support to victims hit by the floods that have turned lives upside down in the central region since last week.

The collection point at 640/21 Truong Chinh Street in Tan Binh Ward was bustling with activity on Friday night.

Dozens of volunteers took turns carrying, sorting clothing, and packing boxes of instant noodles and bottled water, preparing the supplies for shipment to provinces hardest hit by the floods such as Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa.

Ngo Ngoc Thanh Huu, born in Dak Lak Province, rushed to the collection point immediately after work.

“My home in the countryside wasn’t badly affected, but many friends and neighbors suffered heavy losses," he said.

"I can’t contribute financially, so I’m offering my time and effort, hoping the people there can get through this difficult period."

Nguyen Huu Nghia, a sophomore at Van Hien University, also came forward to help sort and pack donations after learning about the relief drive, eager to ensure the supplies reached the south-central region as quickly as possible.

The initiative was launched by the Phu Yen Student Association in Ho Chi Minh City, responding to urgent reports of floods in their hometown.

Many areas in the former Phu Yen Province, now part of Dak Lak Province, were submerged, leaving residents in need of food, clean water, and essential items.

Duong Binh Nguyen, one of the organizers, said the donation drive began the day before, with multiple collection points set up across the city.

“More people came to support than we expected. At times, the collection points were almost overwhelmed," he recalled emotionally.

“Some donors even stayed to help sort the items as everyone desired to contribute something to help our fellow citizens in central Vietnam."

The group has sent some shipments to Phu Yen.

Another collection point in the program, at Melody Residences in Tan Son Nhi Ward, saw residents respond with equal enthusiasm.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Loan said that upon hearing about the initiative, she requested permission from the apartment building management board to set up a collection point and mobilize other residents.

“I didn’t expect such a strong response. Within just a few hours, the lobby was filled with donated goods,” she said.

Apartment dweller Nguyen Thi Kim Chi brought clothing and essential items to the point.

“Many of my friends are in central Vietnam," she shared.

“When I heard the news, I encouraged my children to contribute. 

"Even small contributions from everyone can add up to significant help for people in need."

Charity kitchens provide warm meals for flood victims

In recent days, several field kitchens and volunteer groups in Ho Chi Minh City have worked overnight, preparing meals to ease the burden for residents in the flood-affected provinces of south-central Vietnam, reported Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper.

Since Friday, local volunteers in Binh Chau Commune, Ho Chi Minh City have set aside daily routines to help prepare ingredients and cook over 1,100 boxes of preserved anchovy and yellow-stripe scad fish, meals designed to last and provide warmth during cold, rainy days.

Relief teams bring electricity to Nha Trang residents

On Saturday, Man Phan and his relief team from Ho Chi Minh City arrived in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, bringing portable electricity sources to help residents charge phones and contact family members after days of flooding.

Phan reported that floodwaters had receded, while rescue teams, volunteer groups, and the military had reached many previously isolated areas, Lao Dong (Labor) newspaper reported.

Once essential supplies were delivered, access to electricity and the Internet became vital, enabling residents to communicate, gather information, and seek help if needed.

The volunteers drove a pickup truck carrying electricity generators to each household, offering much-needed reassurance and calm to families after days of uncertainty.