Farmer Couple Drives Tractor to Aid Flood Victims, Highlighting Community Bonds

In Lai Châu Province, northern Vietnam, farmer Phan Văn Hoan, 41, and his wife, Đỗ Thị Lả, 40, have been lauded for their selfless efforts to aid flood victims, using their tractor to clear debris and transport people despite their own home being affected by the disaster. Upon hearing of a flash flood in Chít village, 5 km away, on the morning of July 17, the couple initially went to assess the situation. However, National Highway 32 was submerged, with strong currents cutting off access to many residential areas. Seeing mud, rocks, and logs blocking the road, Hoan returned home to retrieve his tractor. Throughout the day and into the night, Hoan operated the tractor to clear landslides. His family's vehicle was also mobilized to work alongside government excavators in removing mud and debris. They returned home only after some routes were cleared. On July 18, Hoan was back out early. Once the main road was passable, his tractor, equipped with a sturdy frame, became a crucial vehicle for transporting emergency personnel and residents through waters over a meter deep. He drove slowly and carefully on the slippery terrain to ensure the safety of up to 10 passengers per trip. He returned home late that night. By July 19, as floodwaters receded slightly, the tractor began carrying essential supplies and medicine from donation groups into the affected areas. "The community has suffered greatly, and I will do my best to help," Hoan stated. His actions gained widespread appreciation through the Than Uyên Commune's Information Portal. While her husband was engaged in rescue operations, Lả organized logistical support. On July 18, she rallied 12 women from their village to cook 100 meals for rescue workers and residents. Her group planned to cook another 200 meals for July 19, but the commune advised postponing this due to other aid deliveries. "My husband opens the roads to save people, and I stay home to help with meals," Lả explained. The Hoan couple makes a living from their tractor and 4,000 square meters of rice fields. In the past month, their fields have been flooded three times, forcing them to replant. Despite the economic impact on their family, they prioritized community assistance. As of noon on July 19, the flash flood in Lai Châu had resulted in 4 deaths, 4 missing persons, and 8 injuries. Twenty houses were swept away, and 33 others were damaged. Approximately 300 hectares of rice paddies and crops, along with aquaculture areas, were buried. Over 5,000 meters of irrigation canals were damaged. The estimated economic loss is around 120 billion VND (approximately $5 million USD). The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting indicated that a low-pressure trough would continue to bring rain, ranging from 10-30 mm, with some areas exceeding 60 mm, to the mountainous regions of Lai Châu, the midlands of the North, and Quảng Ninh on the night of July 19. Information Source: VnExpress