Volunteer journey in Nhon Mai flood area

It has been 15 days since being stuck in Nhon Mai commune due to floods, but Vinh University students have continued to persevere in staying in the village after completing their main activities, helping the people overcome the consequences of natural disasters. They are part of a team of 24 volunteers participating in the "Green Summer" campaign that was launched in mid-July in this area.

15 days in the middle of the flood

As of the morning of August 6, in Nhon Mai commune, 9 students from volunteer team number 2517 - Vinh University are still staying in the area, continuing to support people to overcome the consequences of the flood.

According to student Tran Thi Xuan Mai - Class 64B Educational Management, School of Education - Vinh University, who is also the volunteer team leader, these are 9 out of 24 team members who volunteered to stay after completing the main activity, to continue to accompany people to overcome difficulties after the flood.

As of the morning of August 6, 9 students from the volunteer team number 2517 - Vinh University are still staying in the village to support people in Nhon Mai commune to overcome the consequences of the flood. Photo: SVTN Team

Tran Thi Xuan Mai said that the team's journey began on July 13, when all 24 young people set off for Nhon Mai commune to participate in the "Green Summer" campaign. During the first two weeks, the students organized many useful activities for children such as teaching culture, martial arts, and summer activities for children in the village. The duration of the activities was only nearly 2 weeks, but the affection between the volunteer team and the children and the people became close.

On the evening of July 21, the volunteer team prepared their personal belongings to leave Nhon Mai the following day. But during the night, heavy rain suddenly poured down. At dawn on July 22, water from Khe Hy rose and poured in. The spillway was washed away, many roads were broken, and mud flowed into the village. Nhon Mai was completely isolated.

The captain and deputy captain of volunteer team 2517 - Vinh University on the morning of August 6 are helping people in Nhon Mai commune. Photo: PV

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At the time when the village was isolated due to the flood, we were a bit worried at first. However, that moment passed quickly. Together we checked and reinforced our living quarters. At the same time, we quickly contacted the Border Guard station, the police and the commune government to understand what we needed to do next. After stabilizing, we coordinated with the above forces to help evacuate people and property to a safe area.

Tran Thi Xuan Mai - Captain of Volunteer Team 2517 - Vinh University

During the rainy and flood days, the students shared the work: some carried rice, some carried rice from low-lying areas to high-lying areas, some carried children, and helped the elderly to temporary shelters. When the water receded, the students rolled up their sleeves to clean the mud, wipe down tables and chairs, clean the school, and clear the ditches…

Although they are students and have never experienced many severe natural disasters, they are not afraid of difficulties and hardships to provide maximum support to the people.

Volunteer Team 2517 – Vinh University during the flood in Nhon Mai commune. Photo: SVTN Team

After the flood receded, members of the volunteer team numbered 2517 - Vinh University continued to stay in the village, supporting the cleaning of schools, houses, and public works. Photo: SVTN Team

On July 27, after traffic was temporarily cleared, 15 team members were supported by the commune authorities to leave the area and were picked up by the school; the remaining 9 students volunteered to stay.

These days, the students not only support the people in Nhon Mai village but also travel to Mai Son and Huoi Xa villages to help people clean up mud after the flood at their houses. Although living conditions are still difficult, they still decide to continue accompanying Nhon Mai until the people here are truly stable again.

Unforgettable journey

Sharing about his special journey, Truong Trong Sang - a student of class 63K1 Construction Engineering, Faculty of Construction - Vinh University, Deputy Team Leader of the volunteer team, said: “There are moments that we will remember forever. Like the time the whole team and the locals pulled an entire wooden house out of a landslide. The house was located in a dangerous location, the soil and rocks underfoot had cracked after several days of heavy rain. Just one more rain and it could collapse. Dozens of people worked hard to tie ropes, wedge wood, and then used their strength to pull the house to a safe location. Everyone was out of breath, their clothes were soaked, their hands were red and swollen, but seeing the house saved in time, we felt very relieved.”

During the days staying in Nhon Mai after the flood, Truong Trong Sang and his teammates were constantly present at the deeply flooded families, helping to clean up the thick layer of mud, dozens of centimeters thick. Sang shared: “Many houses were covered in mud up to the beds. Tables, chairs, blankets, and books were dirty and damaged. We wore gloves, shovels, and brooms to clean every corner of the house, carrying buckets of mud outside. There were days when we worked until dark, everyone was exhausted but no one was discouraged.

Representatives of the Nhon Mai Commune Party Committee and volunteer team 2517 - Vinh University before being isolated due to floods. Photo: SVTN Team

On August 5, Nghe An Provincial Youth Union transported necessities and essential supplies to support Nhon Mai residents as well as volunteer students from Vinh University in the commune.

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“The commune government has provided financial support for the children to buy daily food. At the same time, we always keep in touch and ensure their safety. During their stay, the children have been very active in helping the local people overcome the consequences of natural disasters. It is expected that this afternoon (August 6) or tomorrow morning, the government will coordinate with the border guards to support the children to return to their hometowns.

Mr. Mac Van Nguyen - Secretary of Nhon Mai Commune Party Committee

On the morning of August 5, representatives of the Provincial Youth Union, the Provincial Youth Development Support Center and the Truong Bon Historical Relic Management Board transported goods and necessities to support the Nhon Mai people and the volunteer student team there. Photo: PV

Nearly 10 tons of goods including rice, instant noodles, clean water, pots, pans, milk... with a total value of 120 million VND. Photo: PV

Speaking more about the volunteer journey of the students, Secretary of the Youth Union of Vinh University Nguyen Thai Dung said that immediately after the forecast of the serious impact of storm No. 3 on Nghe An province, the Youth Union - Student Association of Vinh University urgently directed 22 volunteer teams with more than 700 students participating in the "Summer Youth Volunteer Campaign" in 2025 in heavily affected localities such as Nhon Mai, Quy Chau, Que Phong, Ky Son, Con Cuong, Tuong Duong... to urgently support people in coping with floods, evacuating assets, cleaning up after natural disasters and stabilizing their lives.

Especially in Nhon Mai, as soon as the phone signal was available, the school leaders called to inquire and encourage the students to maintain their courage. At the same time, they continued to spread the spirit of volunteerism, helping people overcome the most difficult times.

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It is expected that this afternoon (August 6), 9 volunteer students will finish their mission and return to their hometowns.

This is not just a simple volunteer activity, but also an opportunity for students to mature through practical experience, practice their bravery, civic spirit and sense of social responsibility - qualities that are especially necessary for young people in the current context.

Nguyen Thai Dung - Secretary of Vinh University Youth Union

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/hanh-trinh-tinh-nguyen-noi-vung-lu-nhon-mai-10303959.html