Cao Bang streets buried in mud after worst flood in 40 years

Cao Bang’s community spirit shines as residents and authorities join hands to clear mud, repair homes, and return to normalcy.

On October 2, as floodwaters began to recede, residents in Thuc Phan Ward, Cao Bang Province quickly started cleaning their homes, collecting debris and mud in an effort to restore their lives.

Due to the impact of Typhoon No. 10’s circulation, Cao Bang Province experienced heavy rainfall, causing widespread flooding and landslides. The historic flood, which lasted four consecutive days, submerged numerous streets in Thuc Phan Ward – the heart of Cao Bang Province – under deep water.

This has been described as the largest flood in Cao Bang in over 40 years. In some areas, floodwaters rose higher than one meter, forcing hundreds of households to evacuate urgently and resulting in severe damage to properties and goods.

By early morning, as the water fully receded, local authorities joined forces with residents to rapidly clean up mud, clear blocked drains, and remove waste to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

On once-bustling streets, the sight of people scrubbing furniture and sweeping away sludge reflected a strong push to return to normal life.

On October 2, Le Hai Hoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Bang Province, issued a letter of encouragement to local officials and residents, praising their solidarity and tireless efforts during one of the most grueling natural disasters the province has endured.

In his letter, the provincial leader expressed deep gratitude to businesses, philanthropists, and charitable organizations both within and outside the province for their swift delivery of essential supplies and logistical support to affected communities.

He emphasized that the historic flooding, caused by the aftermath of Typhoon No. 10, inflicted devastating damage across Cao Bang, isolating communities, causing landslides that destroyed homes, and severely damaging critical infrastructure.

Amid these challenges, frontline forces including the military and police, along with grassroots officials, waded through floodwaters to conduct urgent evacuations and rescue missions. A spirit of compassion shone through as residents and benefactors joined hands to provide essential support.

The letter also acknowledged the timely support from Military Zone I and various charitable groups.

“This unity and bravery are priceless sources of strength that will help Cao Bang heal its wounds and rebuild life,” the Chairman wrote.