Even though half a month has passed since the historic flood, to reach the communes of Muong Tip, Bac Ly, and My Ly, soldiers have to navigate treacherous mountain passes where numerous landslides, both large and small, still pose a constant risk of falling rocks and debris. With a deep ravine on one side and towering mountains on the other, many sections of the road are eroded and damaged, with half of the surface washed away, leaving only a small trail along the mountainside.

On the evening of August 7-8, forces from the 324th Division mobilized to locations to assist the people. The unit quickly settled into accommodation so that they could immediately provide assistance to the people on the morning of August 8. The forces were divided into three groups and deployed to the heavily damaged communes, including My Ly, Muong Tip, and Bac Ly.

Officers and soldiers of the 324th Division helped clean up Muong Tip Kindergarten after the flood.

The weather in Central Vietnam was scorching hot, with outdoor temperatures reaching nearly 40°C. Despite marching and working in harsh weather conditions, wading through mud, and climbing mountains, the soldiers were determined to help the people without complaint. Sweat streamed down their faces, mud clung to their sleeves, shoes, and boots, and many soldiers' hands were blistered from constantly using hoes and shovels... but no one faltered.

In Muong Tip commune, the situation remains difficult as the area has been without electricity for many days, and living conditions are extremely inadequate. The road from the center of Muong Xen commune (the former center of Ky Son district) to Muong Tip is nearly 20km long, but due to numerous landslides, travel takes almost an hour. Despite facing countless difficulties, the officers and soldiers have demonstrated a high sense of responsibility, overcoming challenges and making every effort to help the people.

Lieutenant Colonel Luu Viet Ha, Deputy Chief of Staff of the 324th Division, 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, and those living alone in clearing mud and repairing houses. We expect the unit to remain in Muong Tip commune until we have helped the local government and people overcome the basic consequences of the floods before withdrawing.”

Following the historic floods that swept through the western border communes of Nghe An province , schools in Muong Tip, Bac Ly, and My Ly communes remain submerged in mud, while the new school year is fast approaching. Soldiers from Regiment 335 are fanning out across the schools, working diligently to clear the mud.

Officers and soldiers of the 324th Division helped clean up Muong Tip Kindergarten after the flood.

At Muong Tip Kindergarten, before the soldiers arrived, mud covered everything from the schoolyard to each classroom, in some places reaching knee-deep. The school's dining hall had been swept away by the water, leaving only a few muddy plastic chairs in the yard.

“After the floodwaters receded, our teaching staff tried to clean up, but we were almost powerless against the overwhelming workload. When the soldiers arrived, in just one day, the schoolyard was cleaned thoroughly, the mud was removed, and the water tank was flushed clean…,” said Ms. Pham Thi Hong, the school principal, her voice choked with emotion as she recounted the story.

Soldiers of the 324th Division are clearing debris at Bac Ly 2 Primary School.

In My Ly commune, My Ly 2 Ethnic Boarding Primary School suffered the most severe damage, almost completely wiped out. The facilities were heavily damaged, and learning equipment was swept away by the floodwaters. The school, once the safest place for children, is now nothing more than a crumbling wall covered in thick mud.

Undeterred by the hardship, the officers and soldiers of the 324th Division divided into teams to clean up. Under the scorching sun after the rain, sweat soaked their shirts, and mud clung to their hands and shoes.

Soldiers of the 324th Division are clearing debris at Bac Ly 2 Primary School.

At Bac Ly 2 Primary School, in just one morning, dozens of soldiers cleaned up all the classrooms and schoolyard, pushing wheelbarrows of mud into large piles outside the gate. Large rocks caused by landslides were also moved away.

According to statistics from the Nghe An Provincial Department of Education and Training, more than 50 schools in the province were affected by the floods, with 18 schools severely flooded. The three communes of Muong Tip, Bac Ly, and My Ly suffered the most damage. Schools were swept away or damaged, and textbooks and teaching equipment were almost completely lost. Despite the remaining difficulties, with the support of the military, classrooms are gradually being cleaned up. The dedication and responsibility of the soldiers instill hope and strength in hundreds of teachers and students in this border region.

"In just a few days, the laughter of children will once again echo in this schoolyard," Ms. Pham Thi Hong told me, her eyes welling up with emotion.

Text and photos: HOA LE

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/doi-nang-dam-bun-giup-dan-vung-lu-840639