“Vietnam has given me so much - a kind wife and two wonderful children. This country is irreplaceable to me, and I’ll do everything I can to support its people during this tough time,” shared Nathan Keer, a 33-year-old from England.

Nathan and his wife, Ngo Bang Khanh, along with other volunteers, spent hours preparing 200 portions of bread and milk before driving from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen’s flood-affected areas at dawn. Despite the pouring rain and waist-deep water in some locations, Nathan and his team braved the elements, using boats to deliver aid directly to those stranded.
Nathan Keer transporting essentials from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen and participating in relief efforts for isolated communities. Photo: Nathan Keer

In particularly flooded areas, where boats couldn’t navigate, Nathan volunteered to swim, bringing food and supplies to isolated homes. “One elderly man was surprised but smiled brightly when I handed him the food,” Nathan recalled.

After a full day of relief work, the couple returned to Hanoi but contributed further by purchasing 500 kg of rice and other essentials to send back to the flood-affected families.
The foreign volunteer isn't afraid to wade through deep floodwaters to deliver supplies to each household affected by the flooding. Photo: Nathan Keer

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Nathan, moved by the Vietnamese spirit of mutual support and solidarity, wanted to contribute a small part to the relief efforts.

Though saddened by the destruction caused by Typhoon Yagi, Nathan was moved by the unity and compassion shown by the Vietnamese people during this difficult time. “The more I see, the more I’m impressed by the kindness here. I want to be a part of that spirit,” Nathan expressed.

Similarly, Spanish tourists Violeta and Candela found themselves stranded in Sa Pa due to the storm but turned the situation into a positive experience by assisting with relief efforts. Hosted by Tran Thi Huyen, a local travel company director, the two women contributed to cooking and preparing hundreds of meals for those affected in the surrounding areas.

Moved by the hospitality they received, Violeta and Candela helped prepare 400 meals for landslide-affected communities in Bao Yen and Bac Ha. Although they had little experience cooking, their desire to help drove them to quickly learn and assist.
Foreign tourists were provided free accommodation and meals by Ms. Huyen and her staff while they were stranded in Sa Pa due to the floods. Photo: Tran Huyen
Candela and Violeta prepare hot meals to promptly deliver aid to the flood-affected residents. Photo: Tran Huyen

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The hot, hearty meals are filled with international solidarity and compassion. Photo: Tran Huyen

"We’re deeply touched by the warmth and support we’ve experienced here. It’s amazing to see people coming together to help one another in such difficult times,” Violeta shared.

Candela added, “It’s heartbreaking to witness the struggles here, but it’s also been inspiring to see how the Vietnamese people, even those facing their own hardships, are willing to help others. The sense of solidarity is incredible.”

On September 10, as transportation resumed, Violeta and Candela returned to Hanoi, carrying with them the profound memories of their experience helping the flood-affected communities of Northern Vietnam.

Thao Trinh