Vietnam: Three children drown in Quang Ngai river; impoverished family devastated

A cloud of grief hangs over Minh Trung village in Quang Ngai, Vietnam, following the tragic drowning of three children in the Tra Khuc River on May 22. The victims, all cousins aged 11 to 13, were reportedly taken to the river for a swim by the eldest, 11-year-old N.T.Q.N.

Two of the deceased, N.Q.Q (13) and N.T.H (11), were sons of Nguyễn Ngọc, 43, and Nguyễn Thị Lựu, 34. The couple, already struggling financially as a near-poor household with six children, were devastated. This is the second time the family has faced such a tragedy; five years ago, their 24-month-old son drowned after falling into a water pit behind their home.

Ngọc, a water-painting worker, described his pain as unbearable. His income is unstable, barely covering the family's basic needs. The family relies on seasonal work and a small rice paddy for sustenance. Their modest home was built with assistance from a bank.

Local authorities are assisting with funeral arrangements. Neighbors expressed shock and sorrow, highlighting the family's difficult circumstances. "When I heard the two children had drowned, I immediately ran to the river to help the family bring them back. It was heartbreaking to see," said neighbor Nguyễn Khánh Vân, 50.

The bodies were discovered on the morning of May 23. N.T.Q.N and N.Q.Q were found about 3 km downstream from where they were swimming, while N.T.H was found approximately 6 km further downstream. The third victim's family, living about 300 meters from Ngọc's home, is also mourning.

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Một lần mất 2 đứa con, tôi đau đớn lắm. Con mình mang nặng đẻ đau, nuôi lớn từng ngày, giờ đột ngột ra đi như vậy người mẹ như tôi không biết phải làm sao