Troops overcome hardships to effectively support flood-stricken communities

More than two weeks after the disaster, the scene in those localities remains chaotic. Roads are still blocked by walls of soil and rock; many houses were swept away or buried under hardened mud; and schools and community centers are blanketed by thick, damp layers of soil. In Ta Do village, Muong Tip commune, the power supply has not been restored due to severe infrastructure damage, forcing many families to shelter with relatives or neighbors. Massive deposits of debris along the roads make manual clearance nearly impossible.

Loong Y Khin, a resident of Ta Do village, lives alone in a charity house built by the local government. The recent flash flood engulfed her house in a dense mixture of mud, rocks, and gravel. Since the waters receded, she had been staying at a neighbor’s house on higher ground, unable to clear the heavy debris on her own. Noticing her situation, a group of soldiers arrived to help. After a day of hard work, Khin’s small house was clean and orderly again after days of devastation.

To reach these communities, the soldiers had to march along steep mountain roads, navigating landslide-prone sections with hidden dangers. On their first day in Muong Tip, Regiment 335 quickly cleared the multipurpose hall of Muong Tip 2 Primary School to use as temporary lodging. Days without electricity meant a shortage of clean water, prompting the unit to lay nearly a kilometer of piping from a stream. Since they carried enough food for three days, the logistics team had to organize resupply convoys to cross the treacherous route to the three communes.

Guided by the motto “Giving effective support, ensure safety,” Division 324’s troops have not only tackled immediate difficulties but have also worked on sustainable solutions to protect both the relief force and local residents. This included close coordination between unit leaders and local authorities, well-planned logistics, and a steadfast spirit of service for border communities in urgent need.

Amid the rocky, flood-scarred mountains of western Nghe An, the soldiers have become a firm pillar, helping life in the area flourish again.

Soil and rocks piled high along both sides of the road through Ta Do village, Muong Tip commune

Debris blocking the entrance to a local house

A house devastated by the flood

A wooden house left leaning precariously after the flood

Soldiers helping to clean Loong Y Khin’s house

Troops channeling stream water for use

Soldiers assisting villagers in collecting belongings soaked in mud

Division 324’s troops actively helping residents of Ta Do do cleanup

Translated by Tran Hoai