At 4 p.m. on November 20, in Bien Hoa ( Dong Nai ), 100 officers and soldiers urgently marched. Long lines of military vehicles rushed through the cold night and thick fog. On the vehicles, the soldiers' eyes had only one thing in mind, hoping to quickly reach the people struggling in the fierce flood. By 11 p.m., the convoy of the 25th Engineer Brigade arrived at Cat Tien commune. After a long and tiring journey, the determination and unyielding spirit still shone on the faces of each soldier.

Officers and soldiers of the 25th Engineering Brigade worked through the night to help people move their belongings.

Engineers used rescue boats to move supplies to people.

On the Dong Nai River, hydroelectric reservoirs discharged floodwaters at high volumes, causing many areas in Cat Tien and Cat Tien 2 communes to be submerged in water. The water level rose by the minute, threatening people's lives and property. That very night, the 25th Engineer Brigade divided its forces into many groups, brought rescue boats and rafts, and dispersed to deeply flooded areas to coordinate with local armed forces to help people.

In the pitch-black night, the small flashlights on the soldiers’ foreheads became a support for the people. Under the guidance of the militia, they knocked on each door, carefully helping the elderly and children onto the boat. When the people were safe, the soldiers returned to help move furniture and vehicles. From simple items to valuable assets such as refrigerators and televisions, the soldiers carefully took care of them and transported them to a dry place.

The family of Mr. Hoang Van Chinh, village 6, Cat Tien commune, is in the rice cooperative business. When the water rose, there were still more than 10 tons of rice in his family's warehouse. He was confused and worried when he thought that the rice would be submerged in the flood. However, when the engineering troops and local armed forces coordinated, they moved more than the rice to a safe location. Mr. Hoang Van Chinh emotionally said: "The water rose so fast, there was no time to turn around. At the most difficult moment, the soldiers appeared and helped me protect my property. My family will always appreciate the kindness of the soldiers."

Accompanying Brigade 25 during the flood fighting day, we witnessed them working through the night. They had no time to eat, no time to drink, their clothes were wet, and mud covered their hands and feet. But they still ran from one point to another, just hoping to keep the people safe.

Help Nguyen Thanh Binh's family bring cows to safety.

Sergeant Nguyen Thanh Toan (Battalion 741) confided: “We haven’t slept for 24 hours. But fatigue is nothing compared to the loss of our people. As long as there is work, we will continue to do it. Only when everyone is safe can we rest in peace.” Those sincere words were also the common spirit of the entire Engineer Brigade 25 during the day of floodwaters.

At Nguyen Thanh Binh's house in Cat Tien commune, 45 dairy cows were stuck in the muddy floodwaters. The sudden floodwaters prevented the family from taking the cows to shelter. The farmer's tired eyes after a night of racing against the flood made everyone feel sorry. While Binh was still wondering what to do, the Engineers were already there. Family members swam into the barn to tie each cow, while soldiers gently guided the cows out of the deep water by rescue boats. One by one, all 45 cows were brought to safety.

Mr. Binh said: “It has been more than 20 years since we have seen such a big flood. We thought we would lose everything, but thanks to the soldiers, the cows were saved. Thank you - the sons of the people.”

Lieutenant Colonel Phung Danh Dien, Deputy Brigade Commander - Chief of Staff of the 25th Engineer Brigade, affirmed: “As soon as we received orders from the Military Region, the unit immediately grasped the task of helping the people. Each officer and soldier showed great determination and proactively volunteered to go to the front line. We will stay with the locality until no one needs help. When the water recedes, the unit will continue to support the locality in cleaning up the environment.”

With the tradition of “Opening the way to victory”, the engineering soldiers today continue to affirm their bravery and responsibility in natural disaster prevention and rescue. In the midst of harsh rain and floods, they become the “Son Tinh” of peacetime. The soldiers are always present in the most difficult and dangerous places to protect and defend the people.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/lu-doan-cong-binh-25-quan-khu-7-co-dong-nhanh-ung-pho-hieu-qua-1013196