More than 300 officers and soldiers coordinated with local people to reinforce An Luong embankment before storm No. 13.

Soldiers of Division 315 were mobilized to reinforce the An Luong embankment before storm No. 13 made landfall. Photo: BAO LAM

According to reporters' records on the same morning, before storm No. 13 (Kalmaegi) made landfall, the water level of Thu Bon River in Duy Nghia commune tended to rise due to the large amount of water flowing from upstream, putting pressure on the An Luong embankment.

At that time, at the embankment, there were more than 300 officers and soldiers of Division 315 coordinating with local forces and people to urgently transport sandbags and build stone cages at key points.

The forces dropped sandbags, set up stone cages, covered with tarpaulins to prevent erosion, and used excavators and trucks to transport more than 27,000 cubic meters of soil to reinforce vulnerable locations. Photo: BA — Using sandbags to reinforce vulnerable locations. Photo: BAO LAM

Many embankment sections have been reinforced to reduce the risk of landslides. Photo: BAO LAM

Soldiers transport sandbags to reinforce the embankment. Photo: BAO LAM

Making rock cages to prevent landslides on An Luong embankment. Photo: BAO LAM

Along the embankment, hundreds of people took turns scooping sand into bags and transporting it, weaving iron baskets, and building temporary embankments to prevent floodwaters from overflowing.

Specialized military vehicles along with many trucks, dump trucks, and excavators of local people were mobilized to transport materials to reinforce vulnerable sections.

At the scene, many foreign tourists and volunteer groups and clubs actively participated with the authorities.

Soldiers, local people and volunteers join hands to build the embankment. Photo: BAO LAM

Urgent reinforcement at key locations. Photo: BAO LAM

Foreign tourists support authorities in reinforcing the embankment. Photo: NGOC HIEU

According to local people, the presence of soldiers in recent days has helped them feel more secure in the face of complicated weather developments.

“The landslide is getting deeper and deeper into the land, we are worried as our house is getting closer and closer to the water’s edge. In the past few days, many soldiers, police and people have come to support us, we are somewhat reassured. Hopefully, storm No. 13 will not have much impact on the embankment,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy (Duy Nghia commune).

Currently, many embankment sections have been firmly reinforced, contributing to reducing the risk of landslides. On-site forces of Duy Nghia commune are on duty 24/7, closely monitoring the storm's developments to proactively respond.