*There was more flooding in central Viet Nam last week, and more lives were lost as a result of the torrential rains. Forty eight people were killed, several are missing and over two hundred are injured. The Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai was assessing the damage and organizing the effort to provide food, water and shelter to those left homeless. He also addressed the environmental impact of the floods and noted their efforts to prevent illness from spreading.

*A bomb left from the Viet Nam-American War claimed the lives of seven Vietnamese on Thursday. The blast occurred in the Binh Phuoc province when one of the casualties was sawing through the explosive (apparently for the metal and explosives inside.) Six of the seven victims were under the age of eighteen. The Ministry of Public Security stated that left over bombs have killed more than 38,000 people in the thirty two years since the war ended. Over 100,000 Vietnamese have been injured in addition to those who lost their lives.

*The adoption of a Vietnamese child is making the news this week. This time, it’s a positive story surrounding ten year old Son Pham. Abandoned due to a facial hemangioma, he has been waiting for a family for the past seven years. He was recently adopted by a Canadian family who are actively pursuing the medical care the boy needs. It’s nice to read a media portrayal of adoption that is honest and optimistic.

*Lastly, a reminder for those who may be traveling soon…I posted recently about the recent outbreak of acute diarrhea and cholera here. To protect yourself while in country, be sure to avoid all seafood products, road side foods and un bottled water. Also, common sense hygiene practices such as thorough hand washing will help you maintain your health.

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