Nearly two weeks after the floods, to reach the communes of Muong Tip, Bac Ly, and My Ly ( Nghe An province ), soldiers have to navigate treacherous mountain passes, where numerous landslides of varying sizes still pose a constant risk of falling rocks and debris. On one side is a deep ravine, on the other a high mountain. Many sections of the road are eroded, with half of the surface washed away, leaving only a small trail along the mountainside.

Colonel Tran Manh Quan, Deputy Commander of the 324th Division, visited families severely affected by flash floods in My Ly commune.

Last night (August 7th), forces from the 324th Division mobilized to locations to assist the people. The unit quickly settled them in accommodation and meals so that they could begin helping the people this morning (August 8th). The forces were divided into three groups and deployed to the heavily damaged communes of My Ly, Muong Tip, and Bac Ly.

Soldiers are clearing debris at Bac Ly Commune Kindergarten, Buoc village branch.

Soldiers are clearing debris at Bac Ly Commune Kindergarten, Buoc village branch.

The weather in Central Vietnam was scorching hot, with outdoor temperatures reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius. Despite marching and working in harsh conditions, wading through mud, and climbing mountains, the soldiers remained determined to stay in their assigned areas, undeterred by the dangers. Sweat streamed down their faces, mud clung to their sleeves and boots, and many soldiers' hands were blistered from wielding hoes and shovels, but no one faltered.

In Muong Tip commune, the situation remains difficult as the area has been without electricity for two days, and living conditions are extremely inadequate. The road from the center of Muong Xen commune (formerly Ky Son district) to Muong Tip commune is nearly 20km long, and due to numerous landslides, travel takes almost an hour. Despite facing countless hardships, all officers and soldiers are determined to uphold their sense of responsibility, demonstrate the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, overcome difficulties, and strive their best to support the people.

Soldiers clean up at the kindergarten in Muong Tip commune.

Lieutenant Colonel Luu Viet Ha, Deputy Chief of Staff of Regiment 335 (Division 324), who directly commanded the troops assisting the people in Muong Tip commune, shared: “After surveying and coordinating with the local government, we determined that our immediate focus would be on repairing public works, offices, and schools. In the remaining time, the unit will assist families severely affected, policy beneficiary families, single-parent families, and those in difficult circumstances with clearing mud and repairing houses. We expect the unit to remain in Muong Tip commune until we have helped the local government and people to basically overcome the damage before withdrawing.”

Despite the hot weather and difficult living conditions, the officers and soldiers helped the people without hesitation.

Throughout the day, 100 officers and soldiers from Regiment 335 participated in cleaning up Muong Tip Kindergarten, helping the school to quickly resume operations. In Bac Ly commune, in just one morning, the troops promptly cleared mud and rocks at Bac Ly 2 Primary School. Meanwhile, in My Ly commune, forces from Division 324 organized cleaning of the community cultural center and assisted many households in Xieng Tam village in overcoming the consequences of the floods.

Previously, the 324th Division mobilized 600 officers and soldiers to assist the people of Con Cuong and Tuong Duong communes in overcoming the consequences of the floods for 10 days. However, due to the extensive damage and the remaining workload in the border communes of Nghe An province, the Division continued to reinforce its forces, focusing on helping localities that had been cut off and isolated for many days to quickly stabilize their lives.

Text and photos: HOA LE

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/bo-doi-su-doan-324-vuot-nui-bang-rung-giup-dan-vung-lu-840539