THE TYPHOON
Typhoon Yagi hit northern Vietnam in September 2024. It devastated communities and tore people’s lives apart.
In one remote community, a whole village was destroyed by a landslide. Although the villagers were unharmed, all 15 houses were destroyed… so Blue Dragon rebuilt them.
Typhoon Yagi unleashed devastating rains upon the northern mountains.
Roads were destroyed.
Landslides continued long after the rains passed.
EMERGENCY AID
The village is so remote that it can only be accessed via a combination of cars, biking and trekking. Reaching the people who needed help would be challenging, but thanks to Blue Dragon friends across the world generously donating to our Typhoon Yagi appeal, we were able to take them plenty of food and supplies.
The first part of the trip can be made by car.
Narrow mountain paths were made even more treacherous by the heavy rains.
Border guards helped to deliver the supplies.
Many of the villagers live along narrow paths that can only be reached on foot.
We loaded supplies onto our shoulders and took them right to people’s shelters.
Villagers gathered to recieve their supplies.
THE REBUILD
After setting up temporary accommodation for everyone who lost their home, we began working with our partners to identify safe, suitable plots of land for each family to live on.
As the villagers sheltered in tents, we worked with community leaders to plan the rebuild.
The tents were set up in clearings along the path.
The valley descends towards the Nho Que river.
Assessing a plot of land.
Foundations for a new home.
TAKING SHAPE
Once we had found a plot of land for each family’s new home, construction began. Because of the sheer remoteness of the village and the treacherousness of the paths to get there, most of the building materials had to be carried down the mountain by hand. It was a difficult, time-consuming process that needed the whole village to band together in support.
Preparing a plot of land for a new home.
It takes a lot of effort to transport a single wooden post.
Construction work began.
AT THE BOTTOM OF THE VALLEY
Because of the number of homes that needed rebuilding, we had to find multiple locations to situate them in. Some required a longer trek down the valley.
It’s a long trek down the mountain to reach the most remote houses.
One of the villagers, who lives at the bottom of the valley, looks out at the clearing where her new home will stand.
REBUILD COMPLETE
After months of building, all the families’ homes were ready in time for the lunar new year celebrations. To make sure they have everything they need to get on with their lives, Blue Dragon fitted each home with essential furnishings like beds, cooking equipment and water tanks.
The village is complete.
New homes on safe ground.
The new houses follow a single track mountain path.
Parents have safe homes for their children.
Two villagers drinking tea in their new home.
Each family has beds and bedding for their new home.
Every family now has a water tank.
A NEW LIFE
The parents now have equipment to run small farms and earn a stable income while their children can learn, play and thrive at school.
With sturdy homes and ongoing support, all the families can look forward to bright, hopeful futures.
The future is bright for the people of this village.
