Samaritan’s Purse provides families in Lai Chau, Vietnam, with emergency relief after a flash flood devastated their community.
Heavy rain fell for days, with no sign of stopping. The rain culminated into a flood that triggered powerful landslides throughout the mountainous region of northern Vietnam.
Tam raced against time to get home, hoping his wife and kids were still alive. They had no time to gather their belongings—they had to evacuate immediately.
The flash flood in Lai Chau brought boulders tumbling down from the mountains, destroying homes and farmland in their path.
The family took shelter on the second floor of a neighboring building. They watched in horror as the raging waters loosened a massive boulder from the mountain and sent it tumbling onto their home and farmland.
Their memories, their possessions, and their livelihood were suddenly obliterated.
“I was terrified. I’ll never forget that day,” Cham said.
Tam now cooks with utensils he received from Samaritan’s Purse.
They were grateful that the government had given them a temporary place to live, but the barren walls, rooms, and cabinets reminded them daily of their devastating loss. Their hope was rapidly dwindling.
Then they learned that Samaritan’s Purse was bringing emergency relief supplies to families in Lai Chau. Since the devastating flood, our staff in Vietnam has provided food, hygiene supplies, and cooking utensils to over 100 families, including Cham’s.
Tam and his wife found comfort in the relief supplies provided by Samaritan’s Purse.
Tam and his wife are enjoying their new supplies, seeing them as the sign of a new beginning. “We have rice now. We have pots and pans,” Cham said, smiling. “We’re ready to cook again.”
Moved by Kindness
Tu had lost everything when her home and farmland were wiped away by the flood. She struggled to provide for her family, and longed for normalcy, peace, and stability.
Among other relief supplies, Tu (second from left) received rice and canned meat to help feed her family.
She was relieved to learn that our staff was bringing relief to her community. Among other essential supplies, our staff gave her bags of rice, canned meat, milk, blankets, and a mosquito net. They also took time to listen to her story, displaying compassion and encouraging her as she picked up the pieces of her life.
Tu is thankful for the love our staff showed to her and her family. “I am deeply moved by this kindness. It reminds me that we have not been forgotten,” she said.
Tu said the kindness she received from Samaritan’s Purse reminds her that she is not forgotten.
Please pray for families who are rebuilding their lives after the flood. Pray also for our team as they serve in Jesus’ Name and demonstrate God’s love.
