Rains & Flooding in Hue, Vietnam

10 a.m.
The rains are relentless, and a typhoon of this type only occurs once every five years in Hue and this has been designated the worst flood since 1989. We are in a state of emergency, and no one is allowed to leave or enter the city of Hue by vehicle… the floods have risen so high we cannot get to the hospital, plus there is no electricity. Since the hospital has no generator, we cannot operate but the point is moot because we cannot get there! Finally, after several hours, we board a large bus which agrees to negotiate the more easily navigated streets — and after several false starts we become a bus-boat, slowly cruising the cross avenues to get to the Hue Operation Smile Comprehensive Care Center. Our main goal is to ensure that proper follow-up care is provided to the children from yesterday’s surgery that are still there, and we also must bring food and provisions to the families who cannot leave due to the flooding- in some places chest deep. And they tell us this area is the HIGHEST level in Hue. I have on shorts and a pair of Vietnamese flip-flops I purchased for about 16000 Dong- one dollar. I am soaked from head to toe, my hair stringing down as I’ve waded as high as my thighs, and passing vehicles splash by, and I barely escape their rooster tail wakes.

We make it to the hospital for our primary goal of checking out the kids from surgery yesterday and making sure those who cannot leave have food and water. Children and parents line the stairs waiting for their basic provisions of pho and rice. With no electricity, the light will start to fade around five, and it will be a long night.

3 pm
We are set to leave for the day, but the boat that was supposed to get us to dry land is no where to be seen! Marcela and I set out to the street-turned-river, and hail a passing rickshaw/cycle that is half buried in the waters, but still able to function. We share a seat meant for one, and he alternates between cycling and pulling us through the currents. We are laughing because we cannot believe this incredulous situation! The rest of the team grab a boat which carries them to dry land, then walk the rest of the way through the canals.

We find out tomorrow what we will be our course. Primarily, Operation

Smile- Vietnam is concerned about safety and even though we may have to disappoint those waiting, we cannot compromise the well being of the children. The Pediatric Intensivist’s home is flooded and he cannot get to the mission. The roads are closed off and we may not be able to get the support we must have. Unless by some miracle we can secure generators and proper medical support, we must postpone the surgeries. Waters are rising, but we are safe, and so must be the children.

Don’t worry, we are REALLY fine and safe and we are sure this will be over in a day or so!!! Having a great time paddling through the streets and I will send pictures as soon as my battery recharges!!!

Tam Biet~!

- Cathy Synders, Operation Smile volunteer