Tents are set up for the people affected by typhoon Yagi. (Photo: VOV)

“I managed to carry my child to a medical station to avoid the flood. As soon as we arrived, I heard a loud explosion. I ran out, screaming and crying and calling for my dad, my mom, and others, but no one answered me. I saw only rubble.”

That was the story of Dang Mui Khe, a lucky survivor of the September 9 landslide in Lung Sung hamlet. Seven houses were buried, 11 people killed, and 11 others injured. Three of Khe’s relatives died – her father, her mother, and a young cousin – and her uncle was seriously injured.

Khe and her child, less than a year old, were lucky to escape death. For many days following her narrow escape, she didn’t dare take her child off the carrier on her back for fear that if there was a flood, they would be unable to survive.

With community support, her life has gradually returned to normal. Soldiers have helped her to set up a tent to live in and local authorities and benefactors have given her rice and other essential items. A new house will be built at a location of her choice with the support of the administration, said Khe.

“For my new house I’ll choose land which isn’t prone to landslides, and is far from a dangerous place like a cliff or a stream,” she told VOV.

Ms. Trieu Mui Lai of Lung Ly hamlet lost her son and daughter-in-law in the landslide triggered by typhoon Yagi.  (Photo: VOV)

Just 3 km from Lung Sung, a landslide buried 7 houses in Lung Ly hamlet. Ten days after the incident, the rubble is still strewn with mud, pillars, beams, and other debris. The landslide killed 9 people, injured 3 others, destroyed 8 houses, and forced dozens of families to evacuate.

The landslide killed Trieu Mui Lai’s son and daughter-in-law. Her house was completely destroyed. She has become the main support of 2 grandchildren, one 11 years old and the other 5 years old.

The Cao Bang administration is helping build new houses for Lai and 6 other Lung Ly families who lost their homes, Lai said.

According to Ms. Lai, almost every day the government and kind-hearted neighbors come to make sure she have enough food and clothing. “Construction of the new houses has begun and they will likely be completed next month. I feel secure and don't need anything more. My land and rice fields are here, so I will stay,” she said.

Smiles return to the children in Lung Ly. (Photo: VOV)

Dozens of charitable groups have come to Lung Sung and Lung Ly to provide essential goods and production tools.

Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Uyen of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province said that she collected whatever she could to help the flood-affected people.

“They’re recovering quickly and are optimistic. The Fatherland Front, the government at all levels, the army, and the police have supported the victims and stabilized the situation,” said Uyen.

Hoang Van Thach, Deputy Chairman of the Cao Bang provincial People's Committee, said top priorities are given to ensuring accommodation, food and other necessities, and long-term livelihoods for the affected families.

“We have started building 6 houses in Lung Ly, and soon in Lung Sung, and will try to complete them as soon as possible because the people are living in tents,” said Thach, adding, “We have been mobilizing resources to restore production and urging the agricultural sector to guide them on what crops to plant and what animals to raise to stabilize their lives. We’re relocating them to safer places with arable land.”

New houses for the affected people are being built in Lung Ly. (Photo: VOV)

It will take time for life in Lung Ly and Lung Sung to return to normal. Together,  local authorities and people are not just aiming to rebuild what was lost but to build back better - stronger homes and more resilient livelihoods.