Undeterred by danger, soldiers not only responded to rescue efforts in flooded zones but, once the waters receded, were present everywhere to help clean up the aftermath and join local residents in rebuilding their communities.
Nearly a week after the historic flood, many areas in Quy Nhon Bac Ward remain in disarray, with thick, sticky mud covering everything.
At Quy Nhon Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Hospital and Quy Nhon Psychiatric Hospital—two facilities that suffered severe damage from deep flooding—a thick layer of mud has blanketed the entire first floor. In recent days, more than 100 officers and soldiers from Regiment 739 (Provincial Military Command) have been deployed to help with post-flood cleanup efforts.
Vo Kien Cuong, Deputy Director of Quy Nhon Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Hospital, could not hide his emotion: “The hospital was deeply flooded, making the overall cleaning and rearrangement of medical equipment after the flood extremely difficult.
Many departments and rooms were inundated, and the grounds were left with a lot of mud after the water receded. If only the hospital staff were cleaning, we wouldn’t know when we’d finish. Fortunately, the military arrived in time to help, and the place is basically clean now. The remaining work will be quickly resolved.”
Many military units, such as Division 2, after working tirelessly to help residents in Da Nang and Quang Ngai during the recent floods, have now continued their mission in Gia Lai. At Nguyen Khuyen Primary School (Quy Nhon Bac Ward), more than 100 officers and soldiers from Regiment 1 (Division 2) have just completed cleaning the entire school.
Soldier Le Xuan Tin shared: “My home in the countryside (formerly Phu Yen) was also half-submerged by floodwaters, but thankfully my family is safe. We are striving to finish ahead of schedule so that daily activities can resume, and to contribute our efforts to help the people of Quy Nhon recover. I feel as if I am helping my own hometown.”
In Quy Nhon Dong Ward, following the motto “Where the water recedes, we help the people recover,” Border Guard Squadron 48 and Brigade 368 have been assisting residents with cleaning. Areas that have been restored are immediately disinfected afterward.
Pointing to a water mark on the wall at head height, Nguyen Van Ngoc (69, from Area 9, Quy Nhon Dong Ward) shared that he and his neighbors had never experienced such a severe flood before. Despite preparations, the flood swept away much of his family’s property. “Well, material things can be replaced. As long as we’re safe, we can rebuild. Having the military here to help brings us some comfort,” Mr. Ngoc said.
Busy cleaning alongside his comrades, Lieutenant Colonel Tran Xuan Son, Commander of Squadron 2 (Border Guard Squadron 48), stated firmly: “Whatever the people need at this time, we will handle immediately. We will not withdraw until life returns to normal.”
In addition to helping with recovery efforts, soldiers have personally packed and carried thousands of aid packages, ensuring they remain dry before delivering them to people in flood-hit areas.
In the days following the flood, a surge of goods and essential supplies from benefactors and charitable organizations poured in. Witnessing the uneven distribution of relief supplies, with some not reaching isolated areas, the Provincial Military Command proposed establishing a station to receive and distribute food, supplies, and relief goods.
From its inception, the station has received dozens of tons of food, drinking water, household items, and medicine. After detailed inventory, soldiers have been dispatched to distribute relief supplies to residents in flooded areas. These seemingly ordinary, small acts reflect the soldiers’ deep sense of responsibility and care for the people.
Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh (63, Quy Nhon Nam Ward) shared: “In recent days, my friends, students, and I have packed many gifts to send to people in the flood zone. With the military’s support, we are reassured that the aid, contributed with so much goodwill, will reach those who need it most.”
According to statistics from the Provincial Military Command, more than 3,000 officers and soldiers, along with dozens of vehicles from the Provincial Military Command, Military School, Division 31, Engineer Brigade 7 (Corps 34), Battalion 904 (Brigade 88), and units under Military Region 5 (Division 2, Brigade 368, Brigade 573, National Military Training Center II, Technical Warehouses K52 and K54) have coordinated with other forces to help with recovery efforts.
Additionally, the Provincial Military Command has deployed two tank trucks (each with a capacity of about 10,000 liters) and one from Technical Warehouse K54, ready to supply clean water to residents upon request.
Colonel Nguyen The Vinh, Commander of the Provincial Military Command, affirmed: “The directive from the Party Committee and the Provincial Military Command is to do everything possible to protect the lives and property of the people. When floods strike, we must find every way to provide relief; when the water recedes, we must help people stabilize their lives as quickly as possible. This is our duty, our responsibility, and the heartfelt commitment of every officer and soldier in the provincial armed forces.”
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Even in peacetime, soldiers endure hardships akin to those in major battles. The military is present in the most devastated areas before, during, and after the floods. The strong bond between the military and the people has become a powerful force, enabling everyone to overcome difficult times and rebuild their lives after the disaster.
