The 28-year-old man saved hundreds of people during the devastating floods.

Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, born in 1997, residing in Phu An neighborhood (Tuy Hoa ward), has just been awarded a certificate of commendation by the Provincial Youth Union Executive Committee and also received an extraordinary commendation from the Tuy Hoa Ward Youth Union for his courageous act of rescuing hundreds of people during the recent historic floods.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, Luong Minh Tung, emphasized: "In the most dangerous moments, the calmness and kindness of one person can save hundreds of others. Minh did that instinctively, with his heart and sense of responsibility."

Mr. Luong Minh Tung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province and Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, presented a certificate of commendation from the Provincial Youth Union Executive Committee to Mr. Nguyen Van Minh.

Not only the Provincial Youth Union, but also the Tuy Hoa Ward Youth Union recently awarded a special commendation to Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, who, without regard for danger, used a speedboat to brave the swirling waters and rescue hundreds of people during the recent floods.

According to Nguyen Thi Nhu Quyen, Secretary of the Tuy Hoa Ward Youth Union: “During the historic floods, when many roads were cut off, rising water swept away property and threatened people's lives, Minh became a shining example. What is valuable is not only his courage, but also his spirit of volunteerism and responsibility to the community. In times of difficulty, beautiful actions like Minh's help us believe more in people's hearts and in the power of youth for the community.”

The award not only acknowledges his merits but also expresses profound gratitude to a young person who dared to risk their life to preserve the lives, smiles, and hope of their compatriots amidst a natural disaster. These words of recognition are even more meaningful when placed within the context of Minh's experience; a story that is not just about saving lives, but also a testament to rare courage.

In late November, heavy rains caused rapid flooding, isolating many residential areas in the eastern part of the province. In Phu An neighborhood, residents had to climb onto rooftops to call for help amidst the swirling floodwaters. As soon as he heard the first cries for help, Minh immediately started his speedboat and sped straight into the flooded area.

"The courageous actions of Mr. Nguyen Van Minh not only assisted the authorities in promptly bringing people in the flooded areas to safety, but also serve as a prime example of good deeds for youth union members and young people inside and outside the province to learn from."

Vice Chairman of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union

For days on end, Minh drove his speedboat almost non-stop. He paid for the fuel and oil himself, his hands were numb, and his lips were purple from the cold, but as soon as he heard another call from somewhere on a rooftop, Minh would turn his speedboat around.

Nguyen Van Minh recounted: “There was a section where the current was so strong that the boat was dragged along by the swirling floodwaters for a meter, almost capsizing. But I heard someone calling, so I clung to the steering wheel and kept going. Because behind that call was a human life.”

In just a few days, he transported over 500 people to safety. Ms. Doan Thi Nhu Quynh, one of the rescued, choked up as she recalled: “My child and I were standing on the roof, we slipped, and were swept away by the water. When I saw Mr. Minh running towards us, I cried like I had never cried before. If it weren't for him, I don't know what would have happened to my child and me…”

The speedboat, Minh's "friend," has been battling alongside him throughout the recent days of heavy rain and flooding to rescue people.

When the water receded, Minh was utterly exhausted and finally stopped, but the first thing he did wasn't rest, but to check his canoe, his "friend" who had fought alongside him through those life-or-death days, just in case anyone needed him again, so he would have something to run to.

When called a hero, Minh just smiled gently and said, "I would do the same for anyone." But for hundreds of people in the flooded area, Nguyen Van Minh is a source of hope, the kindest thing they encountered amidst the disaster, and a hero worthy of honor.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202512/chang-trai-28-tuoi-cuu-hang-tram-nguoi-trong-lu-du-12c1894/