When natural disasters and epidemics challenge
Located in the southernmost part of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is a province that is often affected by natural disasters, and each storm and flood is a difficult challenge for journalists. I cannot forget the overwhelming feeling when I first worked during a storm or flood.
In November 2008, the rainy season suddenly lasted for a long time. The heavy downpours day and night tore apart the peace, pushing the Hoang Long River into a fierce flood. Many communes in the flood-diversion and flood-slowing areas of Nho Quan and Gia Vien districts were submerged in water, turning into isolated oases.
In a special car, I and the provincial working group crossed the rising floodwaters. The whole group raced against time, working quickly to avoid being stuck. Before our eyes were fields and houses submerged in water; on the Duc Long dike, hastily erected temporary tents, livestock and poultry crowded together with belongings piled haphazardly.
In particular, the exhausted, haggard eyes of the people, some of whom had to remove the tile roof to crawl through the flooded roof to survive, made me unable to hold back my tears. I quickly recorded all the difficulties and essential needs of the people in the flooded areas, informed the readers, hoping to share and support. After that, the historic flood in October 2017, Typhoon Yagi in September 2024 and many other storms and floods hit.
The sleepless nights following the storm's developments, the working sessions in strong gusts of wind and pouring rain, sometimes getting soaked but still having to keep the camera and working equipment dry. Each article, each image about the work of preventing, fighting and overcoming the consequences of storms and floods is a tireless effort, with the desire to convey information as quickly and accurately as possible so that people can proactively respond and minimize damage.
Not only natural disasters, dangerous epidemics are also “battlefields” without gunfire that require commitment. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, a truly silent war, long and arduous.
Ninh Binh Newspaper, like other press agencies, had to transform itself drastically to meet the information needs during the "embargo" period. Working remotely and conducting online interviews became a daily routine, but that did not stop us from making efforts.
For Journalist My Hanh, then Head of the Social and Cultural Department, a reporter specializing in the medical field, taking the risk of recording real-life information and images at the scene was not only a job, but also a duty and responsibility to readers.
Journalist My Hanh shared: “When working in high-risk areas, my colleagues and I were advised to fully comply with the requirements of wearing medical protective clothing, wearing gloves, and disinfecting the whole body. However, with the dangerous and unprecedented epidemic at that time, ensuring safety from spreading the disease was very difficult and everyone was worried about their own safety.”
Many reporters working in the epidemic area said that when they returned home, they did not dare to approach and hug their children, fearing that they might have infected and spread the disease to their children... We are proud that the news of Ninh Binh Newspaper has contributed to orienting information and spreading beautiful stories about the spirit of solidarity against the epidemic of Ninh Binh people.
Having reporters and editors present on the ground is of great value, increasing the credibility and appeal of news. When readers have firm faith in mainstream journalism, fake news and false rumors cannot spread.
Team spirit and passion
In dangerous and difficult situations, team spirit is our great strength. Words of encouragement, pats on the shoulder, sharing raincoats, hot meals in flooded areas, or moments of overcoming epidemic blockade areas together... all have created a united and steadfast Ninh Binh Newspaper team.
What motivates us is the Editorial Board of the Newspaper, who always stands by us, guides us and ensures our safety on every trip. Behind the reporters working directly, there is a team of editors and technicians working tirelessly day and night to ensure that information is published promptly and accurately. Despite facing danger, hardship or even worries for ourselves and our families, the passion for the profession and the mission of revolutionary journalism still burns within each of us.
It is a source of pride that Ninh Binh Newspaper's news has reached many people, contributing to orienting public opinion, reflecting real life and conveying positive messages.
Looking back at the 100-year journey of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism and the journey of unceasing dedication of Ninh Binh Newspaper, we are proud of what we have achieved. In the coming time, Ninh Binh Newspaper and Radio and Television Station will continue to innovate, improve the quality of content and form, constantly learn, practice political mettle and professional ethics.
In particular, we will always be pioneers on the information front, always ready to take on all difficulties and challenges to bring the fastest and most accurate information, contributing to the sustainable development of Ninh Binh homeland, worthy of the trust of the Party, Government and People in the province.
Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/vuot-hiem-nguy-giu-vung-ngon-lua-nghe-589119.htm
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