Vietnam PM Phạm Minh Chinh consoling eight-year-old Nguyen Quoc Bao, whose father and elder sister were washed away by flood waters while the three were crossing a bridge on a motorbike. - VNA/VNS
HANOI: A special television programme was screened by Vietnam Television on Sunday (Sept 15) to lend support to the victims of super Typhoon Yagi that inundated huge swaths of north and northeast Vietnam last week resulting in heavy human and property losses.
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh and other participants of the programme observed a minute of silence in commemoration of those who perished in the disaster.
As of 5:30pm on Sept 15, Typhoon Yagi and following downpours, flooding, and landslides had left 292 dead and 38 missing, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
They damaged nearly 232,000 houses, more than 190,000ha of rice, nearly 48,000ha of other crops, 32,000ha of fruit trees, along with 3,269 aquaculture cages. More than 2.6 million poultry and livestock were also killed.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment estimated material losses at about VNĐ40 trillion (over US$1.6 billion).
The programme looked back on the severe impact of Typhoon Yagi through TV reports, guests’ sharing of thoughts, and musical performances.
It also related inspiring and moving stories about disaster response and aftermath settlement efforts, conveying a message that each Vietnamese can serve as a source of support for compatriots and the country in trying times.
The event also affirmed that amid difficult and painful circumstances, the solidarity, compatriot bonds and creativity, which are precious traditions of the nation, can be the most steadfast source of spiritual support.
During the programme, PM Chính presented gifts and consoled eight-year-old Nguyen Quoc Bao whose father and elder sister were washed away by flood waters while the three were riding a motorbike through a bridge in Cau Treo Hamlet of Yen Thuan Commune, Ham Yen District, Tuyen Quang Province.
He also commended Captain Luc Van Nguyen, a policeman in Yen Thuan Commune, who saved the boy from the flood and decided to sponsor him until the boy reaches the age of 18.
Highlighting the six fulcrums for Vietnam in the face of trying times and challenges, he said the first is the great national solidarity, which is the solidarity within the party, the people, and the country, as well as with international friends.
The second is the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam over the last nearly 95 years, PM Chinh went on, noting the Party has no other goal than securing independence and freedom for the nation, and a prosperous and happy life for the people.
The third fulcrum is the pride-worthy and time-honoured historical and cultural traditions, including the spirit of mutual assistance, he pointed out.
The Government leader emphasised that the people who are the ones making history and creating strength provide the fourth fulcrum of the nation.
The fifth is the military and public security forces, which always work for the sake of the country and the people.
The last but not least is the spirit of self-reliance and resilience of the Vietnamese people. The more difficulties and challenges, the greater efforts they make to overcome their self-limitations and turn the impossible into the possible, according to him.
With the six fulcrums, PM Chinh called on all Vietnamese to redouble efforts and work around the clock to address the consequences of the storm and help build a strong and prosperous country with increasing happiness and well-being for all. - Vietnam News/ANN
