Kim Tan, one of Thanh Hoa province’s hardest-hit flood zones, remains heavily impacted by natural disaster. Though floodwaters have begun to recede, thousands of residents are still living temporarily on dikes, unable to return to homes buried in mud and stagnant water.
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Cleaning schools in Kim Tan commune |
Thirty out of 48 villages in the commune were flooded, affecting nearly 1,400 households, with hundreds evacuated. Many villages are still isolated, and property damage is severe.
In the midst of hardship, military convoys arriving at Kim Tan commune brought hope. On the morning of October 3, nearly 400 troops, including over 250 from Regiment 48 under Division 390 of Army Corps 12, and forces from the Defensive Area Region 2 Command Ha Trung under the Thanh Hoa Provincial Military Command, as well as local militia force promptly joined relief efforts.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Truong, Political Commissar of Regiment 48, they deployed immediately upon receiving orders. Many homes are still submerged; people have lost appliances and belongings. The troops are helping clean, organize their furniture. “Most families are still evacuated, so we assist with anything they request,” the officer said.
At schools and communal houses, soldiers in life vests and military uniforms worked tirelessly, hauling debris, shoveling mud, disinfecting in an attempt to restore these spaces to ensure they can reopen soon.
Following the motto “Clean as water recedes,” troops prioritized schools, offices, and communal houses. Sr. Col. Pham Huy Minh, Deputy Political Commissar of Division 390, emphasized that regardless of rain or shine, day or night, whenever local authorities called, the unit responded immediately. Its troops helped evacuate people, repaired dikes, carried out flooding prevention measures.
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Troops help local residents move their food to a safe place. |
The tireless efforts of military troops deeply moved locals. Tran Van Duan from Thach An village said tearfully, “The flood came too fast. Our six-member family barely escaped with our lives. Everything else, crops, animals, household items, was swept away by floodwaters. The soldiers’ help warms up our hearts.”
Trinh Thi Loan, Thach An village head, shared, “With the military here, people feel reassured. Their presence gives us strength to overcome losses and rebuild.”
On just October 3, military units cleaned and disinfected 12 villages, four communal houses, four schools, and assisted nearly 60 households. These were a tremendous workload reflecting their high resolve.
Hoang Quy Ban, Vice President of Kim Tan commune chapter’s Vietnam Fatherland Front, noted that as a flood center of Thanh Hoa province, the locality often received help from nearby military units. Their actions have left a good image of Uncle Ho’s soldiers in the hearts of local Party committee, authorities and residents.
Translated by Chung Anh