In previous years, during the flood season, it was common to see dozens of people standing along the banks of the flood-swollen Nậm Mức stream in Púng Giắt village, Mường Pồn commune, collecting wood. The method is simple: using long poles with hooked ends, they wait for logs and bamboo to float by and then pull them toward shore.

The stronger the flood, the more wood drifts downstream. To collect more, some people even wade into the stream, submerging half their bodies in the murky, rushing water. When larger logs float beyond reach, many don’t hesitate to dive into the floodwaters, swimming out to grab the wood at all costs.

Mr. Lò Văn Yên from Púng Giắt village said: “Although we know collecting wood during floods is dangerous, it’s an opportunity to gather firewood for cooking throughout the year. Many households in the village try to collect wood during floods to save money and avoid going into the forest.”

With that mindset, regardless of how strong the current is, as long as wood is floating by, villagers still plunge in, sometimes drifting dozens of meters with a log before managing to drag it ashore. It’s not just young men involved, women and even children also join in these dangerous activities. Amid strong, swirling currents, a single misstep could lead to disaster. Yet from adults to children, no one wears life jackets or uses any safety gear to protect themselves.

Every year, local authorities issue warnings, even outright bans, on collecting wood during the flood season. However, enforcement is difficult, and many still take the risk, ignoring official alerts. In fact, tragic accidents have occurred when people were swept away by floodwaters.

One such incident occurred in August 2024 when Mr. Hờ A Gấu of Phú Hồng B village, Pú Hồng commune (now Phình Giàng commune), was swept away and went missing while wading into a stream to cast his fishing net. It was the peak of the rainy season, and rivers and streams were swollen and turbulent. His body was found three days later, about 4km downstream from where he disappeared.

In Búng Lao commune, during the 2024 rainy season, as many residents recklessly rushed into the Nậm Cô stream to collect floating wood, local authorities had to ramp up public awareness campaigns. Various measures were used, including written announcements, loudspeaker broadcasts, and village meetings. The commune also coordinated with the Youth Union to install 15 warning signs at high-risk locations along the stream where flooding frequently occurs. Residents were strictly instructed not to collect wood or fish in these areas to avoid the risk of drowning or serious injury.

Mr. Trương Hồng Bách, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Búng Lao commune, stated: “Not underestimating the dangers of floods, from the start of this year’s rainy season, we have assigned personnel to be on duty 24/7. In particular, we’ve strengthened communications to encourage people not to collect wood or fish near streams during flooding, ensuring their safety.”

Currently, flood conditions remain unpredictable and dangerous. Besides the efforts of local authorities, individuals must also take greater responsibility for their own safety. People should not trade their lives for a bit of short-term gain.