As typhoon Yagi swept through Hanoi, we saw the best expressions of Vietnamese values in action: on bridges and streets, truck and bus drivers shielded motorists swaying in the raging wind and helped them navigate safely through dangerous areas. In other cases, drivers kindly offered strangers a ride in the middle of a furious storm.

These acts are striking examples of the strong sense of solidarity that permeates Vietnamese society, which sees helping one another as a source of strength in the face of hardship. In today's Words on the Street column in The Hanoi Times, this fine quality is explored in more detail.

Cycling or motorcycling around Hanoi during typhoon Yagi's fierce winds and torrential rain last weekend would have been a feat.

For those attempting to cross the Nhat Tan Bridge on motorcycles, Saturday afternoon (September 7) turned into an unforgettable and harrowing experience. The wind blew so hard that riders couldn't move forward. Duong Nhuong, 29, said she couldn't even walk, let alone ride a motorbike. "Some people managed to turn back, while old, weak women were trapped on the spot," she said.

In this dangerous situation, a remarkable scene unfolded: cars decelerated to accompany the motorcyclists, shielding them from the wind and helping them cross the bridge. Nhuong recalled that large vehicles, including trucks, buses, and private cars, slowed to the side of the motorcycles, serving as windshields to protect the riders.

The unfolding story was captured by residents of nearby high-rise buildings who shared it on social media, and the videos quickly became a phenomenon. Many people came forward after the videos were uploaded, identifying themselves or their loved ones as the motorcyclists in the footage, and all thanked the car drivers for their good deeds.

The images and videos of cars shielding motorcyclists not only warmed people's hearts but also served as a potent reminder of everyone's duty to help those in need. The story quickly spread across social media platforms, garnering thousands of comments and shares, all praising the solidarity and compassion displayed during this crisis.

In the context of a storm like Yagi, considered one of the strongest in decades, the actions of these car drivers not only saved lives but also sent a powerful message about human kindness. Difficult and challenging moments are often when compassion shines brightest, and the typhoon became a testament to the admirable solidarity of the people.

This gesture of kindness went beyond simple physical assistance; it was a meaningful demonstration of compassion and concern for the plight of the people around us. It was not impulsive; rather it was the result of compassion inherent in all of us, a powerful illustration of harmony and mutual support.

What's more, this is not the first time that the Vietnamese people have shown this spirit of solidarity in adversity. From relief efforts during the floods in central Vietnam to communities banding together during the Covid-19 pandemic, the spirit of humanity has always been a shining beacon in times of distress.

Kindness is tangible and manifested in day-to-day activities rather than being an abstract ideal. People are willing to lend a hand when someone is in need, even if they are strangers. Vietnamese people think that society can only prosper and preserve peace and happiness if individuals work together to overcome adversity.

The actions of the drivers during typhoon Yagi also remind us that amidst the pressures of modern life, we can sometimes lose sight of the value of kindness and helping one another. That compassion survives and shines even in the most trying of circumstances is renewed by times like these.  

In the course of day-to-day life, the drivers of trucks, buses, or taxis were able to harass their passengers for a few dollars. But seeing others in a vulnerable situation, they were happy to lend a helping hand.

By and large, the Vietnamese people, wherever they are and whatever the situation, are always ready to stand by each other and overcome any challenge together. This spirit has helped the nation overcome countless hardships throughout its history and will continue to be a great source of strength for future development. The story of typhoon Yagi and the camaraderie on the Nhat Tan Bridge is not only a beautiful memory, but also a profound lesson in kindness, sharing, and solidarity that every Vietnamese should remember and cherish.

We can see from these humble yet incredibly human acts that even the most severe storms in life can be weathered with a little love and charity. Mutual solidarity among people has been, is, and will always be the cornerstone of creating a better society where people stand together and withstand storms together.