Người Hà Nội trong đêm giá rét | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Rét đậm, rét hại: Severe cold spell, referring to a period of particularly cold weather.
• Mưu sinh: Earning a livelihood, making a living.
• Chênh lệch nhiệt độ: Temperature difference, specifically between day and night.
• Dự báo Khí Tượng Thủy văn quốc gia: National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
• Thời tiết buổi sáng: Morning weather.

Hà Nội Cold Snap: Impacts on Daily Life and Livelihoods

The report focuses on the impact of a recent cold spell on the lives of people in Hanoi, particularly those who earn a living outdoors. The current temperature, as of approximately 10 PM, is around 12°C, with a significant temperature difference between day and night. This cold snap, considered the first widespread severe cold of the winter season, is predicted to last until around January 10th. The lowest temperatures in Hanoi are expected to range between 8 and 10°C.

The Struggles of Outdoor Workers

The report highlights the increased hardship faced by outdoor workers due to the cold weather. Individuals like Mr. Thông, a freelance worker, seek temporary warmth by small fires built on sidewalks near major roads and bus stations. He emphasizes the necessity of proper winter gear – hats, scarves, gloves, and warm layers – to prevent frostbite and maintain functionality. He states, “Rét chứ. Ui trời, mùa này là rét đầu mùa mà khách nó ít lắm. Bây giờ ngồi ăn cơm xong ngồi bây giờ ngồi hơn tiếng rồi bây giờ tất nhiên là phải có bịt tai rồi là mình có tất tay tắt tiệc mình mà không trang bị đầy đủ thì nó rét rét cống tay chứ không phải ấy đâu.” (It’s cold. Oh dear, this is the first cold of the season and customers are few. I finished eating and have been sitting here for over an hour now. Of course, I need ear coverings and gloves; if you don’t equip yourself properly, your hands will freeze, not just feel cold.)

Increased Workload and Adaptation

For those working late into the night, such as Ms. Hà, who washes vegetables for restaurants, the cold exacerbates the physical demands of their jobs. She notes that the morning work of going to the market and preparing vegetables is more difficult due to the cold. She explains, “Bởi vì thời tiết buổi sáng rất là lạnh nên công việc đi chợ buổi sáng cũng như rửa rau sáng cũng vất vả hơn, chế biến nó cũng có lạnh cóng hơn đấy. Cho nên là mình cũng dần dần phải thích nghi với cả sắp sửa đến Tết đoàn tụ gia đình cho nên các chị cũng phải bảo nhau cố gắng để làm có thêm thu nhập cuối năm.” (Because the weather is very cold in the morning, going to the market and washing vegetables in the morning is also more difficult, and processing them is also very cold. So, we are gradually adapting, and with the upcoming Tet family reunion, we encourage each other to try to earn more income at the end of the year.) Despite the hardship, workers are motivated to persevere to earn extra income before the Tet holiday.

Opportunities in the Cold

Interestingly, the cold weather also presents opportunities for some. Vendors selling warm foods like grilled corn and sweet potatoes experience increased sales. A corn vendor states, “Cứ càng rét là mình càng thích thôi. Chỉ bán được nhiều. Bình thường bán mấy chục thôi. Lạnh thì phải tăng cường tầm tră trăm rưỡi. Z nó ngô nó ngon. Bán được nhiều hơn nó sướng hơn. Lúc mà mình bán thì không thấy lạnh gì đâu cả.” (The colder it gets, the more I like it. I just sell more. Normally I sell a few dozen. When it’s cold, I have to increase prices to around one hundred and fifty [thousand dong]. The corn is delicious. It’s more enjoyable to sell more. When I’m selling, I don’t feel cold at all.) The demand for warming foods increases significantly during cold spells, leading to higher profits. The report notes that foods like grilled potatoes and corn are particularly popular during the winter months, offering a comforting warmth.

Official Forecast and Safety Recommendations

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the current cold spell is expected to persist until around January 10th. The report concludes with a recommendation for the public to limit outdoor activities during the night and early morning, and to wear adequate warm clothing and thermal gear to protect their health.

This report paints a picture of Hanoi adapting to a significant cold snap, showcasing both the challenges and unexpected opportunities it presents for its residents.