HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese artists and singers continue to raise funds for people in the central provinces who have been severely affected by the historic flooding.

Well-known singer Đàm Vĩnh Hưng, along with other artists, visited Hà Tĩnh Province yesterday and handed over VNĐ2.7 billion (US$120,000) in donations. They also distributed essential commodities to locals.

The singer had organised a fund-raising music show, Central Region Heart, which saw artists such as Đàm Vĩnh Hưng, Thanh Hoa, Quang Linh, Quang Dũng, Dương Triệu Vũ, Lệ Quyên and others performing without honorarium. More than VNĐ700 million ($31,000) was raised from the event.

“Artists were passionate about being part of a fund-raising music show. They wanted to accompany me to the central provinces to offer their support to local people,” Hưng said.

Hưng had also called on people to donate and aid the country’s flood-hit citizens, and by October 24, he had received donations to the tune of VNĐ2 billion ($90,000).

Also yesterday, many artists, including composer Trần Tiến, singers Anh Khoa and Đồng Lan performed in a street music show on Nguyễn Văn Bình Street in HCM City to raise more funds. It was organised by First News publishing company and directed by Tùng John. Everyone involved performed for free. The money from the show, which is estimated to be VNĐ500 million ($22,300) will be handed over to affected people on October 29 and 30 by Seeds for the Soul, a charity group.

The group, founded by director of First News and other journalists and writers, has collected another VNĐ300 million ($13,400).

Recently, MC Phan Anh also collected more than VNĐ20 billion ($900,000) to help people in the central provinces.

Saigon Outcast will also host an arts event on October 30 to raise funds for flood victims in the central provinces.

The event will feature music performances, poetry readings and arts creation. There will also be an auction for food and artworks.

All donations will be given to the HCM City Red Cross.

The event will take place from 2pm to 11pm at 188/1 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng Street in District 1.

The heavy rain and flooding in the central region claimed 15 lives and left at least 18 others injured. The storm damaged more than 100,400 houses, 1,600ha of rice and over 3,000ha of aquatic farms.
— VNS