SOUTH VIETNAM: REFUGEES FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE FLEE TO DANANG.

Record ID: 275206

  • Title: SOUTH VIETNAM: REFUGEES FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE FLEE TO DANANG.
  • Date: 13th May 1971
  • Summary: 1. TRAVEL SHOT Tanks and trucks re-open road passing devastated buildings. 0.10 2. LV and CU Funeral Procession of refugees in country-side (3 shots) 0.24 3. CU and LV Grave being dug. 0.32 4. GV PAN from abandoned to damaged houses. 0.43 5. TGV PAN Danang 0.51 6. LV and CU Refugees pour off boat. 1.01 7. LV and CU Child in
  • Embargoed: 28th May 1971 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: DANANG, SOUTH VIETNAM
  • Country: Vietnam
  • Reuters ID: LVABTRHC0TPU0H9S7DZF79HVPCB9
  • Story Text: In Danang the influx of refugees from the countryside has produced severe problems. Thousands of people have poured into Danang, fleeing the war that still rages in the countryside. Although the Saigon forces claim effective control in areas of the northern provinces in South Vietnam, almost every day South Vietnamese tanks must reopen areas occupied by their enemy during the night.

    The rising population of Danang, caused by the large numbers of refugees, has meant a greater demand for food and housing. In turn, this has caused a spiralling inflation. Housing prices have increased seven times in only six months. Many of the refugees have become hawkers on the food market, but some cannot afford to buy what they sell. For these people, an end to the war may be the only hope they have of returning to their homes in the countryside.

    SYNOPSIS: Almost every day in the areas around Danang, South Vietnamese forces must clear areas occupied by their enemy during the night.

    This Continual conflict of war has taken a heavy toll on the people living in the countryside. The meagre earnings made from their crops is seldom enough to make up for the terror of the battles raging around them. The death of a loved one is often the deciding factor for these people becoming refugees.

    Thousands of refugees have left their homes in these northern provinces. Last week, a hamlet of one-thousand people was attacked by the Vietcong. Virtually the entire population fled to Danang. The influx of people from the countryside has produced severe problems for Danang. The increased population caused by the refugees, has greatly increased the demand for food and housing. In turn, this has created a spiralling inflation.

    Although the government has built temporary housing for the refugees, housing prices in general have increased seven times in six months.

    Many of the refugees have become hawkers on the food market, but some of them cannot afford to pay for what they sell, due to the inflated prices.

    For these people, an end to the war may be their only hope of returning to the countryside.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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