Located downstream of the Nhu Y and Loi Nong rivers, An Cuu Ward is considered the “flood basin” of Hue. On Oct. 30, the water level on the Huong (Perfume) River had dropped by over a meter, yet streets and homes in An Cuu Ward remained submerged between 0.5 and 2 meters.
For five days, people have been unable to work, students have stayed home and daily life has been upended.
The roads leading into An Cuu have turned into rivers, with floodwaters up to two meters deep in some spots. Apart from boats, only army and police vehicles can reach the area.
Amid heavy rain, An Cuu residents wade through the water to buy groceries at markets or supermarkets, or to collect relief supplies at the ward People’s Committee office. They carry styrofoam boxes to store items, which also double as flotation devices when needed.
Floodwaters continue to cover half the height of houses in An Cuu. Chickens and household belongings have been moved to upper floors for safety.
Motorbikes are hoisted onto higher levels to avoid the flood. Compared with the peak on Oct. 27, the water has fallen by about one meter, but many still fear it could rise again.
A man places his grandchild in a styrofoam box and pushes him along to collect relief goods. After receiving instant noodles from rescue workers, the child proudly shows them off to neighbors.
Accustomed to living with floods, many residents use styrofoam buoys as makeshift boats to cast fishing nets.
The An Cuu Ward office on Hoang Quoc Viet Street is surrounded by floodwaters more than a meter deep.
For the past five days, instant noodles and bottled water have been stockpiled there by police and soldiers to distribute to residents.
Local police and militia members use canoes to deliver aid. Along the way, they blow whistles or call out to alert people.
On the afternoon of Oct. 30, after hearing that an elderly man on Phan Anh Street had suffered a stroke, the An Cuu ward chairman mobilized local militia to assist the family. The man was taken by boat and then transferred to a truck to be taken to hospital.
So far, Hue has reported two deaths and six people missing due to the floods. 32 out of 40 communes and wards are still submerged 0.5 to 2 meters. On National Highway 1 through Huong Tra and Phu Loc wards, water has receded to about 0.2 meters, allowing traffic to resume.
An aerial view shows police using boats to deliver supplies to households in An Cuu Ward, Hue, on Oct. 30. Video by Vo Thanh
