The storm ripped through the small coastal community of 24 households and 90 residents, toppling roofs, sinking fishing boats, and sweeping away nets. Many villagers were left with nothing but debris.
Among them was Trần Thị Thanh É, who lost her husband three months ago and now faces another tragedy. Standing before the wreckage of her home, she said: “There’s nothing left of our house, just a few notebooks for my child to go to school”.
Neighbor Phan Thị Nhường shared a similar story of loss: “After escaping the storm, we returned to find our homes in ruins. The waves swept everything away, there’s nothing left”.
As despair settled over the community, soldiers from Cát Khánh Border Guard Station, working with local authorities and agencies, arrived to help rebuild homes, clear debris, and provide meals and temporary shelter. Inside the barracks, villagers were served hot food and given a place to rest.
“This is the first time I’ve been inside a military barracks”, said Đoàn Thị Gia Hằng, 11. “The soldiers cook delicious food, the beds are clean, and everyone is so friendly. I’m very grateful to the soldiers”.
For many, the soldiers of the Hồ Chí Minh Army have become a source of strength and comfort. “The soldiers are our lifeline”, said Thanh É. “They not only help rebuild our homes but also encourage and support us. Thanks to them, I feel I can stand up and start over”.
Colonel Nguyễn Thế Vinh, Commander of the Provincial Military Command, said: “Immediately after the storm, we deployed all forces to key areas, working with local authorities to overcome the aftermath, clean up schools, and help people rebuild their homes. Our goal is to restore normal life as soon as possible, ensuring no one is left behind”.
The soldiers have shared rations, clean water, and tarpaulins worth millions of Vietnamese dong (about $40–$120) with the villagers, staying through the nights to ensure no family goes hungry or homeless.
As night falls over the battered village, children’s laughter echoes once again under makeshift shelters lit by oil lamps. Amid the ruins, the compassion of the soldiers has become the warmth that keeps An Quang Dong alive, a story of resilience, solidarity, and the unbreakable bond between the military and the people.
