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Officers and soldiers of Division 315 reinforcing A Luong dyke, Duy Nghia commune |
All-out efforts exerted for people
Without rest after days working in floodwaters, more than 600 officers and soldiers quickly advanced to the hardest-hit areas as soon as the water receded. Their quiet but urgent task was stacking sandbags to reinforce the dyke, transporting materials, assisting residents in cleaning and restoring daily life.
Colonel Vo Duc Cuong, Second-in-Command and Chief of Staff of Division 315, who led the on-site operations, said, “In recent years, unusual storms and floods have eroded riverbanks, threatening people’s lives. Helping residents overcome natural disasters is not just a duty for us, it is also a matter of the heart. Seeing people and their homes safe brings us joy.”
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Young soldiers of Regiment 143 of Division 315 cleaning the Duy Xuyen Regional Medical Center |
Early in the morning, groups of soldiers were already at An Luong dyke. The waves were still strong, sandbags placed the previous day had been submerged, and a cold wind swept across the river. Yet soldiers tirelessly passed heavy sandbags and iron baskets filled with sand to reinforce the dyke, protecting over 300 households. Amidst nature’s harshness, their smiles reassured villagers.
International visitors lending helping hand
In the urgent situation, foreigners lent a helping hand. Lika and her husband from Germany, tied sandbags to help soldiers and locals to reinforce the dyke. They had initially just passed by while traveling in Da Nang but were moved by the determination and solidarity of Vietnamese troops and people.
“We don’t know much Vietnamese, but seeing everyone working together to protect life here, we wanted to be part of this effort. Today is our fourth day helping out. It’s wonderful!” Lika said. Their smiles, blending with the villagers’, erased language and nationality barriers.
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Lika, German national, tying sandbags for soldiers and locals to reinforce An Luong dyke |
Nearby, Alex, a young American, also worked alongside soldiers, stacking sandbags and moving baskets. Visiting Vietnam to see a friend, he was drawn in by the spirit of cooperation. “On the first day, I just watched. Then I was invited, ‘If you want, join us!’ I agreed immediately. Today is my third day. I’ve learned so much about the sharing of the Vietnamese people,” he said.
The image of foreign visitors working alongside Vietnamese soldiers vividly illustrated human connection and responsibility. They had no duty or obligation, only voluntary participation, motivated by the dedication of Uncle Ho’s soldiers and the local community.
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Lika and her husband helping residents in Duy Nghia commune |
Residents expressed gratitude and warmth. Doan Thi Quy from An Luong village said, “Seeing these young foreigners helping us touches my heart. There are good people everywhere!”
Division 315’s relief efforts extended beyond reinforcing the dyke. Soldiers helped repair classrooms so that children could return to school, cleaned hospitals and welfare facilities, and delivered rice and supplies to isolated areas. Their shoes were muddy, uniforms sun-bleached, but their hearts remained warm, reflecting the bond between soldiers and civilians. Each soldier became a “pillar” supporting residents to rebuild their lives.
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Alex, American national, actively working alongside soldiers and local residents |
Natural disasters may divide land and rivers, but compassion connects people. Regardless of origins or skin colors, a shared heart for the community unites everyone in helping others rise after loss. The stories of Division 315 and international visitors will remain a lasting reminder that kindness can be found anywhere if we open our hearts and step forward.
Translated by Tran Hoai