Dozens of foreigners joined local authorities on Saturday morning to clean up the streets in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, in the wake of Typhoon Yagi.

Despite the sunny and hot weather, the foreigners gathered in the streets and flower gardens of central Hanoi on time. 

Wearing protective gloves, they worked alongside local authorities to cut branches and clear fallen trees caused by Typhoon Yagi, which had left devastating damage in northern Vietnamese areas, including Hanoi.

A foreigner helps clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

According to the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem District, the cleanup effort was coordinated by the Hoan Kiem District Youth Union and a tourism company. 

The participants included both foreign residents and international tourists.

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Johnny Harris, a long-time Hanoi resident of 11 years, shared that he and his team arrived early with the aim of quickly contributing to restoring Hanoi’s beauty. 

He noted the extensive damage Typhoon Yagi had caused and expressed his desire to give back to the city he calls home.

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Livy Nelson, a 33-year-old from England, recounted her concern during the storm due to the severe winds. 

Upon learning about the cleanup initiative, she eagerly signed up, feeling compelled to give back to a city that has treated her well.

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Approximately 200 foreign volunteers are expected to assist with cleanup activities in Hoan Kiem District on Saturday and Sunday.

“We didn’t anticipate such a large turnout,” said Vu Thi Thai An, a representative of Tubudd, the organization behind the initiative.

“The volunteers worked diligently, arriving on time and taking breaks only as scheduled.”

A foreigner takes a selfie while clearing fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

A foreigner helps clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

A foreigner helps clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

Foreigners help clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

A foreigner helps clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

A foreigner helps clear fallen tree branches on the street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, September 14, 2024. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre

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