On October 27-28, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nong Thi Ha led a working delegation to visit and distribute relief packages to residents in flood-stricken areas of Cao Bang and Lang Son.

After attending the review conference for the province’s 2021–2025 housing improvement program, the Deputy Minister traveled to Can Yen and Thong Nong communes in Cao Bang Province to meet with families heavily affected by Typhoons No. 10 and 11.

Historic floods devastate Cao Bang

In early October 2025, historic flooding caused extensive damage across Cao Bang Province. Tens of thousands of homes were destroyed, unroofed, or submerged. Crops, plants, and trees were washed away. Several communities were isolated, while roads, schools, health clinics, irrigation systems, and utilities were heavily damaged. The total estimated economic loss exceeds USD 122 million.

Can Yen and Thong Nong were among the hardest-hit localities. Many families lost their homes and livelihoods and are in urgent need of assistance.

In Can Yen alone, 87 homes were destroyed or swept away, and 263 others were submerged. Eight schools were flooded and damaged, along with 13 roads, 17 irrigation systems, and 3 water facilities. Over 219 hectares of crops were affected, with estimated losses in the tens of billions of dong.

In Thong Nong, 139 households suffered housing damage, with several homes entirely washed away. Over 298 hectares of crops and 2.54 hectares of aquaculture were destroyed. Nearly 1,000 livestock perished. Economic damage is estimated at more than USD 2 million.

Deputy Minister: “We must help families rebuild as soon as possible”

After hearing reports from local leaders and witnessing the post-flood devastation firsthand, Deputy Minister Nong Thi Ha offered words of comfort and encouragement to affected families.

She commended the efforts of local authorities and urged government agencies at all levels to accelerate support for restoring housing, livelihoods, and agricultural production.

The delegation distributed 200 relief packages (each including USD 40 and essential supplies) to affected households, and 24 packages (USD 80 each) to respected individuals among ethnic minority communities.

VietNamNet readers contribute USD 8,000 to support Cao Bang residents

On October 28, at the Cao Bang Provincial Fatherland Front headquarters, Deputy Minister Nong Thi Ha delivered USD 8,000 donated by VietNamNet readers to aid families affected by the floods.

Vice Chairman Vu Khac Quang expressed sincere gratitude to the Ministry and VietNamNet’s readers for their meaningful support.

“These funds will be distributed efficiently and fairly to ensure they reach the right people,” Mr. Quang emphasized.

That same day, the delegation also provided 296 gifts to respected individuals affected by the floods and visited two severely impacted families in Thuc Phan Ward, each receiving USD 200 and basic necessities.

Extending compassion to Lang Son Province

Prolonged rainfall from Typhoon No. 11 also devastated Lang Son Province, with total damages exceeding USD 42.7 million.

Continuing her mission, Deputy Minister Nong Thi Ha visited Thach Khê and Trang Dinh communes to provide aid to storm-affected residents.

The Ministry provided 32 packages (USD 80 each) to respected individuals and 350 packages valued at a total of USD 14,000, including cash and essential goods, to flood-impacted households.

At the donation ceremony, Vice Chairwoman of the Lang Son People’s Committee, Tran Thanh Nhan, expressed her appreciation for the Ministry’s timely support.

“These meaningful gifts and timely assistance are a powerful source of encouragement for families as they work to rebuild and resume normal life,” she said.

The delegation also visited two impoverished families who had suffered major losses, including that of Luc Van Nun and Luc Van Nguyen in Cap Ke Hamlet, Thach Khê Commune. Each received USD 200 in cash and goods.

These visits and the Ministry’s presence in the disaster-hit areas provided not only material support but also much-needed emotional encouragement, helping communities in mountainous regions recover and rebuild in the wake of the storms.

Pham Bac - Xuan Minh