Supporting flood-affected compatriots: A command from the heart

In recent days, heavy rains and floods have swept through the Central and Central Highlands regions, causing severe human and material losses. Many residential areas have been cut off, supplies of food and clean water are critically low, and the lives of thousands of families have been disrupted amid the cold floodwaters.

Ha Trung Kien, Vice President of the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society

Alongside people across the country, the Party Committee, authorities, and residents of Dong Nai province have been supporting flood-affected communities through practical actions, both directly and indirectly. On this occasion, reporters from Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television interviewed Ha Trung Kien, Vice President of the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society, about the relief efforts aimed at bringing warmth to people in the flood-hit areas.

• In response to the historic floods in the Central and Central Highlands regions, how did the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society react and take action from the very first days?

- As soon as we received information about the severe natural disasters in the Central and Central Highlands regions, we immediately activated our emergency response plan, focusing on quickly mobilizing resources from Dong Nai to support the affected provinces. Additionally, we issued an urgent appeal and launched mobilization efforts among our cadres, members, volunteers, businesses, philanthropists, and locals to gather resources for relief assistance.

At the same time, the association called on Red Cross volunteers to assist with sorting and packaging supplies in preparation for relief shipments.

The top priority in mobilizing and delivering emergency aid is to coordinate with local authorities and Red Cross chapters in the affected provinces to provide timely and targeted support, especially to poor households, those in difficult or special circumstances, the elderly living alone, children, and families who have lost their homes. Simultaneously, the association strives to maximize resources from residents and businesses to ensure that aid reaches people as quickly as possible, following the principles of “humanity – impartiality – voluntariness – professionalism – transparency – adaptability – effectiveness.”

Representatives of the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society receive support for flood victims from Changshin Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Tan Trieu ward, Dong Nai province). Photo: Collaborator

• Mobilizing resources in a short period is always a significant challenge. How did the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society call for and secure strong support from the community, organizations, and businesses in the province?

- We identify that community support is the most significant source of strength. We focused on transparency and professionalism to build trust. As soon as information about the floods became available and in response to the call from the Central Government, the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society proactively engaged and directly connected with local businesses and donors, promptly providing information about the support needed and committing to carry out relief efforts openly and transparently.

Additionally, the association proactively utilized its media platforms and social networks to provide timely and transparent updates on the receipt and allocation of resources, thereby fostering trust among residents and businesses. At the same time, it closely coordinated with press and television agencies to amplify the message of humanitarian support, thereby contributing to the mobilization of collective efforts across society.

As of November 22, the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society had received a total of 8.5 billion VND in donations to support people affected by natural disasters, including more than 1 billion VND allocated to residents in the Central and Central Highlands regions. Donors and organizations also contributed approximately 100 tons of in-kind aid, including goods and essential supplies. Since the beginning of the year, the association has organized four relief missions to support provinces such as Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Tri, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Lam Dong, as well as the cities of Da Nang and Hue, and Dak Lak province.

• During the relief implementation process, there are undoubtedly difficulties and challenges. Could you share some of the significant obstacles the association has faced and continues to face in transferring and monitoring resources from Dong Nai to the affected provinces?

- Traveling from Dong Nai to the northern provinces, the Central region, and the Central Highlands involves covering long distances, with many relief points located in remote or landslide-prone areas, making access extremely difficult and hazardous. For this reason, the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society must coordinate closely with local Red Cross chapters, authorities, and relevant forces to ensure safety and that aid operations are carried out correctly, transparently, and effectively.

In particular, the association’s staff and volunteers must work continuously, traveling across numerous provinces and cities. This challenge places considerable pressure on the organization and oversight of resources. The Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society must deploy teams to monitor each stage of receiving, transporting, and distributing aid, ensuring that relief supplies reach the intended recipients for the right purpose, with priority given to the poorest and those most severely affected.

A relief team from the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society delivers aid to flood-affected residents in Nghe An province. Photo: Collaborator

• Financial transparency is always a top concern for the public. What measures has the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society implemented to ensure the openness and transparency of all donated funds, mainly when these funds are used in other provinces?

- Transparency is both an honor and a supreme principle of the Red Cross Society. We apply strict financial control procedures. All monetary contributions from residents and businesses are received through bank accounts, or if provided in cash, are recorded with a receipt issued by the Provincial Red Cross Society. Received goods and essential supplies are documented with input and output records, tracked in ledgers, and publicly updated daily through the association’s information channels.

In addition, the results of aid distribution, including lists of recipients, are documented with photographic evidence, and financial reports are made public on the association’s website and fan page. These reports are also submitted to the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, relevant state management agencies in accordance with regulations, and to donors immediately upon the program's conclusion.

Through the Dong Nai Provincial Red Cross Society, residents send bottled water to people in flood-affected areas. Photo: Collaborator

Empathy needs no words, and sharing does not wait for an official call. From a warm coat, a pack of noodles, a single medicine, to overnight trucks loaded with essential supplies – all are evidence of the Vietnamese spirit of “a good leaf covers the torn leaf". Now, more than ever, it is a time to harness the power of solidarity, transforming tears into motivation and sorrow into action.

Ha Trung Kien, Vice President of the Red Cross Society of Dong Nai province

• Finally, what message would you like to convey to the community, philanthropists in Dong Nai, and people in the provinces affected by natural disasters?

- To the people in the Central and Central Highlands regions facing difficulties due to natural disasters, I would like to express my deepest sympathy. Please know that you are not alone. The people of Dong Nai province, philanthropists, and especially the Red Cross Society are always by your side. After the rain comes the sun, and together we will remain hopeful and resilient, overcoming this challenging period.

To the community and philanthropists in Dong Nai, I call on everyone to continue upholding the spirit of “mutual support, mutual compassion, and a good leaf covers the torn leaf”. At this time, support is not only material, but also about standing together. The recovery process will be long. Every small gesture, whether a message of encouragement, a word of care, or a modest donation, is a spark that ignites hope and strength for those in disaster-stricken areas. Let us join hands to build a compassionate and resilient community, one that is ready to respond to and overcome any challenge.

The Party Committee, authorities, and people of Dong Nai province are always ready to share in the hardships with residents in flood-affected areas.

We sincerely thank you!

By Minh An – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho