In recent days, people across HCM City have mobilised support for flood-affected communities. Alongside tonnes of relief goods and cash donations, volunteers from various professions have joined the effort.
At 6 pm on November 25, four vehicles left HCM City carrying the repairmen to flood-damaged areas of the former Phu Yen region in Dak Lak, where they are offering free repairs for televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, water purifiers and other damaged household appliances.
Nearly 20 electrical appliance repairmen from HCM City help fix damaged appliances in flood-hit areas (Photo by Xuan Doan)
Hoang Thuong Giap, vice chairman of the HCM City Refrigeration Association, said images on social media showed severe flooding that left many homes with damaged appliances. He proposed the volunteer mission with association chairman Tran Quoc Huy and quickly received widespread support.
“Technicians from Dong Thap, Binh Duong and other localities also joined. Our first stop is Phu Yen, followed by Binh Dinh and Khanh Hoa,” Giap said.
To ensure effectiveness, an advance team travelled on November 24 to assess conditions, identify repair sites and coordinate with residents and local authorities. In HCM City, the group obtained travel approval from the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s municipal branch.
Damaged appliances will be cleaned, dried, serviced and tested. Items that cannot be salvaged will be fitted with new parts.
“Water-damaged devices are very hard to fix. We brought drills, heat guns, filter cartridges and circuit-board tools, while donors provided replacement parts such as heating elements, cooling modules and fans. A truck was sent ahead with the supplies,” Giap said.
The group is also carrying basic medicines and food for the 7-10 day trip. If the mission proves effective, more teams from HCM City may be deployed, according to Giap.
Similarly, Tran Hai Dang, 38, who runs a refrigeration company in Vinh Loc Commune, HCM City, said he had been busy with several projects but put his work on hold, noting that helping people was the priority.
Tran Hai Dang put his work on hold to join the team (Photo by Xuan Doan)
Ngo Hoang Phuoc, 34, a shop owner from Nha Be, signed up after seeing the volunteer call online. Despite having two young children and a pregnant wife, he still had his family’s support. “People are struggling after the floods, and my skills can help,” he said.
