Vietnamese soldiers: Journey of charity and relief mission in Myanmar

Traveling thousands of kilometers, Vietnamese soldiers brought the flame of humanity to provide relief in Myanmar, continuing the heroic epic of international solidarity and responsibility.

On March 28, when Myanmar was shaken by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, the whole world turned to that devastated land with compassion and hope. In that dire moment, the Vietnam People's Army, with its noble international spirit and the steely courage of a heroic army, was ready to travel thousands of kilometers to join hands in providing relief in Myanmar.

That action is a blazing flame of compassion, a living testament to the tradition of “loving others as you love yourself” of the Vietnamese people – a small country but with a big heart, always ready to open its arms for peace and humanity.

The common pain of humanity

The devastating earthquake occurred at 12:50 on March 28 (local time), with the epicenter located in the northwest of Sagaing town, near Mandalay city - the cultural and historical symbol of Myanmar. The depth of the epicenter of 10km made its devastation terrible: Houses collapsed, roads cracked and thousands of lives were buried in pain.

First images of the Vietnamese relief delegation in Myanmar. (Photo: Le Hoang)

Within hours, a 6.4 magnitude aftershock and two smaller earthquakes of 4.8 and 4.5 magnitude continued to strike, plunging Myanmar into unprecedented devastation. According to statistics, by March 31, the Myanmar government recorded about 1,700 dead, 3,400 injured and 300 missing - cold numbers but containing so much tragedy.

In addition, the destruction of sanitation infrastructure, the severe decline in medical capacity and the crowded, cramped evacuation areas have created a lurking risk of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the situation in Myanmar as the highest level of emergency, and the international community was shocked by the common pain of humanity. From the ruins, Myanmar sent out an urgent call for help, and Vietnam - with its heart always turned towards solidarity - did not hesitate to respond.

Don't leave your country alone in the midst of crisis

Just one day after the disaster, the Central Military Commission Standing Committee and the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam proactively consulted with the Standing Secretariat and the Prime Minister, deciding to send the Vietnam People's Army to Myanmar to support rescue and relief efforts. This was not only a timely decision, but also a strong declaration of Vietnam's responsibility to international friends. With the spirit of "helping each other", the Vietnam People's Army turned the call into action, bringing to Myanmar not only human resources and materials, but also faith and hope in the midst of despair.

This journey is a vivid demonstration of the mettle and organizational capacity of the Vietnam People's Army, and at the same time affirms Vietnam's position in the international arena. A country that has steadfastly overcome countless difficulties, now continues to open its arms, sending to the world not only its sharing but also its sincerity and indomitable will.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong with rescue forces before leaving for Myanmar. (Photo: QĐND)

On March 29, the Ministry of National Defense directed the Department of Rescue to coordinate with relevant units to establish a force of 80 elite soldiers, with Major General Pham Van Ty - Deputy Director of the Department of Rescue - as commander-in-chief.

This force includes: A medical team with 30 soldiers from the General Department of Logistics and Engineering, ready to treat and provide medical care to the victims; a collapse rescue engineering team with 30 soldiers from the Engineering Corps, equipped with modern equipment to search and rescue trapped people; a training and service dog team with 9 soldiers and 6 elite dogs from the Border Guard, supporting the search for victims under the rubble; and a command and agency unit with 11 soldiers, ensuring smooth coordination with international forces.

Along with that, 40 tons of dry food and 30 tons of relief goods were carefully prepared, demonstrating the dedication of the Vietnam People's Army. These soldiers - experienced soldiers of Uncle Ho's Army from missions in Turkey in 2023 - carry with them a will of steel and a heart of compassion, ready to face danger to bring life to the victims of Myanmar.

The Ministry of National Defense has directed the Department of Search and Rescue to coordinate with relevant units to establish a force of 80 elite soldiers to support Myanmar. (Photo: QĐND)

On the afternoon of March 29, at Noi Bai International Airport, the farewell ceremony for the delegation was held in a solemn and emotional atmosphere. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien - Deputy Minister of National Defense - was present, praising the proactive spirit and determination of the soldiers. He affirmed: "This action is not only timely support but also clarifies the image of Uncle Ho's soldiers in the hearts of international friends, continuing the heroic tradition of the Vietnamese people."

The journey of the Vietnam People's Army from Hanoi to Myanmar after the devastating earthquake on March 28 was not only a relief mission, but also a resounding heroic epic, clearly depicting the image of an army of the people, for the people, carrying within it the spirit of humanity and the indomitable character of the Vietnamese people.

Over the past 70 years, from the early days of its establishment amidst the flames of war to today, the Vietnam People's Army has written brilliant golden pages of history, not only on the battlefield to protect the Fatherland but also on the humanitarian and peace front. From South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Türkiye to Myanmar, the soldiers in green uniforms have left an indelible mark of a heroic army, always putting the interests of the people first.

Major General Pham Van Ty expressed condolences and encouraged the victim's family. (Photo: QĐND)

This action to support Myanmar is a vivid demonstration of Vietnam's foreign policy of peace and cooperation - "active, proactive, firm, flexible, effective" - ​​and its "four no's" defense policy, affirming that Vietnam is a trustworthy partner, does not use force, but is always ready to lend a hand for a stable, peaceful and prosperous world.

Joining hands with the military, on the afternoon of March 30, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security also sent a rescue team to Myanmar to carry out the mission. These are carefully selected officers and soldiers with high professional qualifications, ready to respond to any emergency situation in the earthquake-affected area.

The Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue Police Department coordinated with units to develop a plan to mobilize 2 service dogs and specialized tools and equipment to serve the rescue work, including: Equipment to detect victims in collapsed buildings; concrete drills and breakers; multi-purpose cutting machines; anti-collapse equipment; pneumatic lifting bag set; mobile lighting tower, walkie-talkies and many other support vehicles.

The Duy

Source: https://congthuong.vn/bo-doi-viet-nam-hanh-trinh-nhan-ai-va-su-menh-cuu-tro-o-myanmar-381118.html