Vietnamese students repair flood-damaged motorbikes for free as central region recovers

Students from Dong A University in Da Nang and Hue Industrial College in Hue gathered on Thursday at the college’s campus, offering free repairs and oil changes for hundreds of motorbikes damaged in the recent floods that inundated large parts of central Vietnam.

Heavy rains and flooding this week left Hue and Da Nang submerged, ravaging thousands of homes and vehicles.

“When we saw how many people had lost their transport after the floods, we decided to act,” said Dang The Anh, head of the automotive engineering department at Hue Industrial College. 

“Since 1:00 pm, we’ve fixed about 100 motorbikes and expect to reach 200 by tonight. 

“We’ll keep working as long as people need help.”

The initiative, organized by the college’s youth union in coordination with the Hue City youth organization and a local volunteer team, aims to assist residents recovering from the floods.

For many, the help brought immediate relief. 

“My bike was completely flooded and covered in mud,” said Vo Thi Ngan Ha, 30, from Hue’s Thuan Hoa Ward. 

“I couldn’t afford repairs, so hearing that students were helping for free means a lot to us.”

Among the volunteers were members of Dong A University’s SOS student team, who traveled from Da Nang early Thursday after hearing about the damage. 

“Our motto is ‘help where the water recedes,’” said student Vo Trong Thanh. 

“We packed tools and engine oil and came straight to Hue to support people.”

By late afternoon, the courtyard of Hue Industrial College buzzed with the sound of engines roaring back to life as oil-stained students smiled and residents rode away on newly repaired motorbikes.