The Hoang Mai Health Center in Nghe An province has faced severe flooding over the past two days, compelling medical staff to evacuate patients and equipment to the second floor while still handling approximately 50 emergency cases. The flooding began on September 16, when heavy rains and the overflow of the Vuc Mau reservoir caused water levels to rise over one meter, affecting the facility located lower than the national highway.

Despite the challenging conditions, the health center, which employs over 91 staff members and includes 13 departments, continues to operate. Each day, it receives more than 200 outpatient visits and between 120 to 140 inpatients. By noon on September 17, water levels had receded by about 30-40 centimeters, but the access roads and surrounding areas remained nearly one meter underwater.

Medical staff, including nurse Le Thi Trinh, reported that they were actively assisting in moving patients from the first floor to the second while elevating medical equipment and supplies to prevent water damage. The pediatric ward was particularly affected, with many beds surrounded by water. Nurse Phan Thi Thanh Nhan described the difficulty of retrieving medications while wading through flooded areas.

Patients faced additional challenges, as many were unable to leave the facility to purchase food, relying on family members to bring supplies. One patient, 66-year-old Tran Duc Hai, was admitted on September 16 for high blood sugar and was later moved to the second floor as water entered his room. He expressed concern about the cramped conditions, stating, "The room has two beds, but we now have to share with three patients. I hope the water recedes soon so I can focus on my treatment."

Local police have been deployed to assist with transportation, using boats to help patients enter and exit the facility. The heavy rains that began in the early hours of September 16 have caused widespread flooding throughout Nghe An, with more than 100 homes reported to be submerged between 0.6 to 2 meters, and 45 households evacuated to safety.

As of September 17, many areas have seen the water levels drop. Approximately two kilometers from the current health center, a new facility in Quynh Mai, which has been under construction since 2020 with an investment of over 60 billion VND, remains unfinished due to design adjustments and funding issues. Meanwhile, the existing center continues to struggle with overcrowding and seasonal flooding.