Amidst these hardships, local military units and militia force have become a steadfast source of support, helping residents survive the disaster and rebuild their lives.
People's lives first and foremost
At night, with storm winds howling and floodwaters rushing down from the headwaters of the Ma River, the lives and property of riverside communities hung in the balance. At that critical moment, the presence of military and police rescue teams became a lifeline. Over the past several days, the mission of protecting civilians has become an unspoken but unwavering command for every soldier and militia member.
    |
 |
|
Troops of Battalion 1 under Regiment 741 of the Dien Bien provincial Military Command evacuating injured flood victims |
Upon receiving reports of severe flooding, the Military Commands of Dien Bien and Son La provinces, Defense-Economic Unit 326 of Regiment 82 under Division 355 of Military Region 2 quickly deployed hundreds of troops to affected areas. They promptly joined with local authorities to clear debris, unblock drainage systems, restore roadways, manage traffic at landslide sites, and search for those missing, while also helping families stabilize their lives.
Quang Van Phong, a resident of Hua Muong hamlet in Sop Cop commune, Son La province, recalled that that night, the rain was relentless, and the floodwaters rose so fast. When the water reached his waist, he barely managed to climb up to the attic to wait for help. “Everything was submerged. Thankfully, the soldiers from Defense-Economic Unit 326 arrived in time; otherwise, I would’ve lost everything,” he said.
With a swift and determined response, the Son La provincial Military Command mobilized hundreds of troops and local militia members to work with local party committees, authorities, and other forces, clearing thousands of cubic meters of mud, repairing hundreds of homes, and cleaning up the environment to help residents return to normal life.
As a locality hardest-hit by the disaster, Dien Bien witnessed significant loss of lives and damage in the communes of Xa Dung, Muong Luan, Na Son, Tia Dinh, and Phinh Giang. The provincial military command mobilized more than 500 personnel to search for missing persons, provide emergency aid, erect 40 temporary shelters, and deliver essential supplies to those in need.
Across mountains and forests to save lives
Although days have passed by, the time when First Lieutenant Phan Tien Hung, head of Platoon 5 of Company 2, Battalion 1, Regiment 741 under the Dien Bien provincial Military Command, and his teammates rescued three critically injured flood victims remained fresh in his mind.
|
|
 |
|
Troops assist in transferring the injured to an ambulance for emergency treatment. |
First Lieutenant Hung recalled that at around 1p.m. on August 1, he received orders from the regiment’s commanding officer to lead a 11-member team into Tia Mung hamlet, Tia Dinh commune, to assist with search and rescue operations. “After more than an hour’s march, we reached the rendezvous at around 2p.m.” Hung said.
With landslides blocking roads, the team had no choice but to continue trekking for more than two hours through rough terrain. Along the way, they encountered three severely injured individuals being carried by family members and villagers in desperate need of medical help. Responding without hesitation, Lt. Hung reported to his commanding officers and quickly organized his team to assist with the evacuation.
In the heart of flood-stricken Dien Bien, with roads cut off and lives hanging by a thread, the soldiers raced against time to save the wounded. After nearly nine hours of nonstop marching, at 1:45 a.m. on August 2, the team finally transferred the victims to medical personnel, who quickly gave first-aid and transported them by ambulance to Dien Bien General Hospital.
“As we carried the stretchers through slippery slopes and deep mud, we had to hold on to branches or walking sticks to avoid falling. Even with blistered feet and aching bodies, I kept urging my team to move forward because saving lives was above everything else,” Lt. Hung said.
|
|
 |
|
Despite hardships and exhaustion, young soldiers show their joy upon completing their mission. |
In the darkness, under flickering flashlights and along treacherous mountain paths, the courageous actions of Lt. Hung and his 10 fellow soldiers from Battalion 1, stood as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and the spirit of service. Their story reflects the best qualities of the youth serving in Military Region 2 and exemplifies the noble image of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” in the hearts of the people.
Translated by Tran Hoai