Caroline, a tourist from Denmark, says she will never forget the devastation she witnessed in Tuyen Quang after a massive flood: streets blanketed in thick, dark mud, homes and shops severely damaged.
“I’ve been traveling full-time for the past two years and have collected countless memories, but the days I spent in Tuyen Quang (formerly part of Ha Giang province) during the flooding will remain the most unforgettable experience of my life.
Even after more than a week, I vividly recall the piles of garbage, the mud everywhere, the slippery streets, and people falling off their motorbikes.
The exhaustion and despair were evident on every face. An elderly woman told me she had never seen anything so horrifying in her entire life,” shared 25-year-old Danish traveler Caroline Gottlieb with VietNamNet.
Scenes of muddy, slippery streets in Tuyen Quang haunted Caroline. Photo courtesy of the interviewee
Caroline arrived in Vietnam on August 19, visiting Hanoi and Cat Ba (Hai Phong) before volunteering at a homestay in Ha Giang city (formerly) on September 15. She chose to volunteer to immerse herself in local life as deeply as possible.
Like many other foreign visitors to Tuyen Quang, Caroline was enchanted by the winding, majestic mountain roads. However, continuous rain disrupted much of her travel itinerary.
On October 1, the aftermath of Typhoon No. 10 brought prolonged heavy rains to Tuyen Quang province, causing severe flooding in several areas of Ha Giang 1 and Ha Giang 2 wards (formerly Ha Giang city), throwing daily life into chaos.
“The homestay where I stayed was on a small hill, so it wasn't flooded. We only lost electricity and had no access to clean water for 4–5 days. But the home of the homestay owner, located in the city center, was hit hard by the flood.
Once the rain stopped and the water receded, I joined other volunteers to help clean up. I was shocked by what I saw,” said Caroline.
The tourist was captivated by the beauty of the winding roads in Tuyen Quang. Photo courtesy of the interviewee.
The aftermath of the flood was a stark contrast to the vibrant scene Caroline first encountered. Photo courtesy of the interviewee
Just days earlier, the area had been bustling and full of life, with people enjoying the sunset and warm evening air.
But after the flood, the land was buried in thick black mud, and homes and businesses were ravaged. A riverside café Caroline once visited had completely vanished after the storm and flooding.
“In the homestay owner’s house, mud was everywhere, from the front gate to the interior rooms. We pushed water and mud for nine hours straight but still couldn’t clean it all,” she recounted.
“Many people around us were in the same situation. What surprised me most was that, despite the hardship and exhaustion, everyone kept smiling and helping each other.
I admire the optimism of Vietnamese people. I can’t imagine how frightened I would be if I were in that situation myself,” Caroline expressed.
Caroline filmed the aftermath and shared photos online. To her surprise, her posts documenting the cleanup alongside locals received over 500 thank-you messages from Vietnamese netizens. She said it moved her deeply and made all her fatigue disappear.
On October 5, due to worsening weather, Caroline left Tuyen Quang for Ninh Binh. She also had to cancel plans to visit Sa Pa (Lao Cai) and Cao Bang to ensure her safety.
When Typhoon No. 11 struck, she was relieved that Ninh Binh, where she was staying, was not seriously affected. She continues to follow news updates on the severe flooding in northern Vietnam and says her only wish now is for peace and recovery for the warm, welcoming people she met.
Vietnamnet.vn
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