Exerting great efforts to help flood-hit people
After the historic flash flood on July 24 morning, on July 26, it was scorching hot in Muong La district. Taking advantage of the receding water, troops of Muong La district Military Command reached seriously-damaged villages to help locals.
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Troops of Muong La district Military Command help locals in Ta Mo village, Muong Bu commune overcome aftermath of the flood. |
Lt. Col. Khuc Ngoc Thanh, Political Commissar of Muong La district Military Command, recalled that it was the biggest flood in seven years, sweeping away, collapsing, flooding, and damaging hundreds of houses and valuable properties.
Hundreds of local troops, on-site forces, vehicles, and equipment were mobilized to assist local people in overcoming consequences of the flood.
In Ta Mo village, Muong Bu commune, widow Ca Thi Phu living with her daughter-in-law since her son works far from home was pleased when troops lent a hand to help her family tidy up the house and reinforce livestock barns.
Bracing danger to save five people trapped in the middle of flood water
Quang Van Hoan, aged 34, residing in Muong Bu village, Muong Bu commune, cannot help but shiver with fear when talking about the flash flood. “If the troops, police, and militia forces had not arrived in time, we might not have been here,” Hoan said.
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Quang Van Hoa (second from right) is among the five victims saved by the joint forces. |
On early morning of July 24, he and four others went to catch crickets near Nam Bu stream. At about 6 a.m., when they were preparing to return to the starting point, the flood suddenly came, isolating them in the middle of the flood water. They tried to cling to bushes in the middle of the water, but the flood was over their heads, flowing rapidly, making them tired and scared.
Upon receiving the news from locals, Muong Bu commune's Military Command reported to the Muong La district Military Command and promptly sent troops to the scene. Troops tried all measures, but failing to save the distressed. At that time, Quang Van Duong, Officer Commanding of Muong Bu commune's Military Command, had an idea of tying one end of a rope to a tree and the other end to an inflated tire and throwing to the distressed people. The victims were later brought ashore safely with the support from the troops of the Muong La district Military Command and Muong Bu commune police.
Luong Van Nuong, one of the five victims, highly praised the bravery and agility of comrade Quang Van Duong and expressed sincere thanks to troops and militia force for bracing danger to save them. “You are truly Uncle Ho’s soldiers and the people’s soldiers,” Nuong stressed.
Translated by Mai Huong