📅 Yesterday's Stories: The Unstoppable Floods🌧️🐟🌊
Yesterday...was another day of relentless flooding. But amidst the crisis and change, the lessons of adaptation, resilience, and the spirit that sustains communities are more evident than ever. This article will take you through the past 24 hours of life in flood-affected areas, exploring their adaptation, food search, and the crucial task of moving.
🛶 Life on the water: 24 hours of adaptation and abundance Early yesterday morning, the sunlight shone on the water surface that spreads over a vast area. People here may be used to this situation because it hasn't flooded for many years, about 7-8 years. Some people may not call it "flooding" but call it "a changed home." The sound of a long-tail boat engine rang out, signaling the beginning of a new day. Boats have become the main means of transportation to and from each other, and of course, an important tool for survival.
Fishing has become a major activity, a complete departure from the usual routine. Yesterday, nets and rods were released into areas that used to be gardens or along roads where the rapids brought abundance (especially fish I've raised for about 3-4 years, each weighing about 2-3 kilograms, including a rather large grouper. Other fish I've caught include a 4.8-kilogram giant catfish, making fishing particularly productive during this time. A neighbor said, "Yesterday, we caught a lot of grouper, swai, snakehead, and other fish. It's true that there's flooding, but we never go hungry." Fishing isn't just about providing food for the family; it's also a cornerstone of the community's small economy. Some of the fish caught are shared and exchanged for rice, dried food, or drinking water.
In the afternoon, when the water reaches its highest point, the most visible sign is the "never-drying generosity." Small boats of villagers sail to the deeper houses to inquire about their well-being. For the sick or elderly, neighbors bring food, water, or medicine. This transport across the rapids is unpaid. There are only smiles and words of thanks that convey concern.
Community Leaders' Kindness Leaves No One Behind During the Flood Crisis
During this flood crisis, the sacrifice and generosity of village leaders have become a powerful force in supporting villagers through their hardships. The community leaders did not sit back and quickly set up relief centers and distributed boxed lunches and dried food to alleviate the suffering of the people. Regardless of the flooding, this concern reached all affected individuals.
Particularly admirable is the comprehensive care provided to all living creatures in the community, from pets to cattle and buffalo, which are important assets for farmers. The leaders organized a special program to distribute medicine and medical supplies for pets and livestock to prevent and treat illnesses associated with flooding, demonstrating their care for every aspect of community life.
This devotion and dedication reinforces the true meaning of the word leader, who not only manages but also provides a source of support and exemplifies compassion. We thank all community leaders for using their strengths to strengthen the village and provide hope to those most in need.
Unity under good leadership is the strongest defense against disasters.
Yesterday was a reminder that even though lives are tied to the water, people's hearts are never cut off.
📦 Relocation Mission: From Home to Safety—A Responsibility That Must Be Completed
While many homes are beginning to adapt to the water, for those on the riverbank or experiencing rising water levels, the relocation mission was a must-have completed yesterday.
Early morning to noon: This was a time of decision-making and action. All important belongings were urgently packed, especially important documents (land title deeds, ID cards). They were placed in waterproof plastic bags and lifted to the highest level. Furniture that could not be moved was supported with bricks or oil drums to avoid the expected rising water levels.
The focus of yesterday's mission was caring for my pets, my parrot and my cheetah turtle. The close care of the front yard next to the road was crucial. Afternoon to evening: The most challenging journey. Moving the cluttered belongings up to the second floor of the house was no easy task. Every step required the utmost care, going up and down the stairs. But with the help of the volunteer soldiers, the mission was successfully completed. Before nightfall, everyone was safe. Despite the exhaustion, everyone recognized the value of preparation and the power of mutual assistance.
It's time to go into the garden house to feed the pets we're raising.
🎣 The Bonds of the Great Flood: Changing Trajectories and Hidden Opportunities Yesterday, local fisheries revealed another perspective on the flood crisis: "The Opportunity Comes with Risk." For fishermen, rising waters mean not just disaster, but also a massive expansion of their livelihoods.
Throughout yesterday's day, many villagers spent most of their time on boats, not to escape the floodwaters, but to search for fish that surge from the water. Boats serve as temporary homes, providing a small source of food and a point of observation for water levels. Fishing during this flood season requires a great deal of experience in reading the direction of the water and the strength of the current, as the risk of being swept away by the current or being struck by driftwood remains constant.
Self-reliance and sharing the treasures of the moment
Yesterday wasn't just a day of facing the floods, but also a day of witnessing the villagers' resilience, using their knowledge and skills to transform crises into opportunities and rebuilding the strong bonds of community spirit.
This testament to the power of resilience, the strength of spirit, friendship, and mutual support. These people have taught us that "life must go on," and that every change leads to adaptation. The survival of our community depends not on material possessions but on the bonds of connection and unfailing kindness.
Another important task: My husband and I urgently moved food and all our pets to the second floor of our garden house, including geese, laying hens, and domestic chickens. This instinctive preparation for those living in low-lying areas, knowing that floodwaters could strike at any moment, moving things to higher ground became a routine, requiring swift and decisive action.
After finishing our household chores, we switched to fishing in the ponds surrounding our house, where we had pre-scattered bait, or "fat-scattering," and caught the fish in the picture I've shared with you. This is a simple joy, finding food from the fungi I raise that remain with us.
Passing a temple at night is an indescribable feeling.
After completing our fishing mission, we rowed home. The area in front of the temple was another place I had exhaustedly loaded and unloaded. This time, rowing back, we had to pass through the temple grounds. I noticed the peaceful and cool atmosphere of the temple grounds both day and night. Every time I passed this spot, I felt a sense of coolness. But at the same time, I felt something that made the hairs on my arms and legs stand on end. (Haha) I wasn't afraid, but I wasn't exactly terrified. It was probably a combination of peace, faith, and the mystery of a place in the middle of the water.
My story is just a small part of the life of the people of Na Talung Village No. 4, who had to learn to live with the floods. They had to prepare quickly, their daily lives tied to using boats, and the mixed feelings they experienced when traveling past such a spiritually significant place at night. All of this is the strength and resilience of the people here.
I hope this little story will both entertain you and give you insight into my life as part of a community facing flooding in Trang Province.
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