When the streets turned into rivers: Flooding in Hoi An

The images and videos show a lot, but definitely not everything.

They don't show the emotions, the silence between the showers, or the strange feelings of seeing what used to be our school route, turned into a river.

Seeing the shopkeeper down the street with a worried look or the homeowner carefully watching the water to determine if everything on the first floor needs to be moved.

Those who usually greet us with smiles, laughter, and warmth are now standing with water up to their knees, trying to save everything that can be saved.

Not just a tourist destination

Hoi An is a city that welcomes millions of tourists every year.

They come to see the yellow buildings, the colorful lanterns, walk over the Japanese bridge, or sit on small, red plastic chairs and enjoy good food.

For many, Hoi An is just another destination to tick off the list – and yes, we are tourists too, but after seven weeks here, this feels more like a home than a place we 'have visited'.

We have had the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful people who have grown up here and have their whole lives in this city.

That's exactly why it's so impactful to see their homes underwater. While Hoi An is just a beautiful stop on the journey for many, this is all they have.

And in the face of the flood, it became even clearer to us that we are not just visiting a tourist town, but have become part of a local community that is now facing perhaps its most difficult time.

Caring, positive, and adaptable

It is important to say that although the uncertainty about when the flood would subside was uncomfortable, we were safe and well taken care of throughout.

We were able to evacuate when the water and power went out. Not everyone could.

Nevertheless, it was us who were taken care of. That is exactly why I want to tell about how I experienced the flood, and not least about the people who took care of us while they themselves were in the midst of a natural disaster.

Even though the homes of those we had the pleasure of staying with were underwater, we were surrounded by care.

We were without electricity and water for several days, and while I could sit in the dark and try to pass the time by watching series on my computer, the family I live with did not have the same opportunity.

They spent hours monitoring the water level, saving their belongings, and keeping track of what needed to be moved. It became clear how differently the flood is experienced by those of us who are only here temporarily, compared to those who call this their home.

Yet, there were those who took care of us.

They made sure all the time that we had food and drink, and that we felt safe. So even though their houses were underwater, they showed us more care and love than I can describe.

The calmness, warmth, and positivity they displayed throughout the entire situation really sums up how the people here are: caring, positive, and adaptable.

Collection

When this post is being written, it's been a few days since I moved back "home" and the water has started to recede.

In the old town, the water level is still high, and we can now see more of the destruction the flood has caused in people's homes. After seeing this, two people in the class took the initiative to start a fundraiser to collect money for those most affected, and for those who have made Hoi An our home for the past few months.

It's great to be able to contribute to the very people who have opened their homes to us and to the community here in Hoi An.

The collection was shared by the whole class, and in just a few days, 72,248 Norwegian kroner were raised!

This money goes incredibly far here in Vietnam, and can help many get back on their feet. To ensure that the funds reach those who really need it, we received great assistance from our seminar leaders.

Our dear Vinh

To future students – no matter what happens, you have Vinh!

Vinh is the manager for Kulturstudier in Hoi An and our contact person. Regardless of having a house, his own restaurant, and a family to take care of, he answers us students around the clock.

He has kept us updated several times a day, made sure we have food and water, and no matter how many questions we ask, he answers faster than you would believe!

Just think how fortunate we are to have someone who shows so much care and calmness in a somewhat chaotic situation. If you're unsure about whether you dare to travel or are a bit uncertain, you couldn't be in safer hands. Vinh is truly an amazing person!

The flood reminded me of how vulnerable we are, but even more of how strong we can be when we stand together.

The people in Hoi An have shown a level of care and adaptability that goes far beyond what I could have imagined. After seeing how they handled this situation, I am left with a strong desire to be as generous, as present, and as good at building a community as they are.

I feel an incredible gratitude for having been a part of this community, even if just for a short while.