Orders from the soldier's heart

People's lives come first and foremost

In the middle of the pitch-black night, surrounded by rain and wind, the floodwaters from the headwaters of the Ma River threatened the lives and property of the people living along the river. That was when the people needed the timely presence of the Army and Police rescue forces. In the past few days, rescuing people has become an unspoken order for every officer and soldier of the army units stationed in the area and the local militia and self-defense forces.

Upon receiving information about the heavily damaged flooded areas, the Military Command of Dien Bien Province, the Military Command of Son La Province, the Economic -Defense Group 326, the Regiment 82, the Division 355, and Military Region 2 sent hundreds of mobile officers and soldiers to the scene to help people overcome the consequences. With a sense of urgency, the units closely coordinated with local forces to quickly clear mud and soil, clear sewers, clean roadbeds, clear rocks and soil at landslide sites, and direct traffic, especially searching for missing victims due to floods and landslides; and supporting people to stabilize their lives.

Soldiers of Battalion 1, Regiment 741, Dien Bien Provincial Military Command on the way to transfer victims to the emergency room.

Mr. Quang Van Phong, Hua Muong village, Sop Cop commune, Son La province, is still in shock. Mr. Phong recounted: “That night it rained heavily, the flood rose so quickly. When the flood water rose to my waist, I only had time to climb up to the mezzanine to wait for rescue; my property was also flooded. Luckily, the soldiers of Economic-Defense Group 326 came to help in time, otherwise my family's property would have been swept away.”

With proactive and urgent participation, regardless of difficulties and hardships, in recent days, the Military Command of Son La province has sent hundreds of officers, soldiers, and local militia and self-defense forces to closely coordinate with local Party committees, authorities, and forces to support people in leveling thousands of cubic meters of mud and soil, cleaning and repairing hundreds of houses, and cleaning the environment to help people soon stabilize their lives.

Dien Bien is the locality that suffered the most damage due to the recent floods. The fierce floodwaters caused many casualties and serious damage in the communes of Xa Dung, Muong Luan, Na Son, Tia Dinh, Phinh Giang in Dien Bien province. With a sense of urgency, responsibility and determination, the Dien Bien Provincial Military Command mobilized more than 500 officers, soldiers and militia forces to actively search for victims; support people to overcome the consequences of floods; build 40 tents; arrange temporary houses to support people, and support people in flooded areas with many equipment and living materials in times of danger.

Crossing mountains and forests to bring victims to emergency care in time

To this day, Lieutenant Phan Tien Hung, Platoon Leader, Platoon 5, Company 2, Battalion 1, Regiment 741, Dien Bien Provincial Military Command, still cannot forget the feeling of tension and anxiety, but also mixed with joy and relief when he and 10 soldiers of the unit transported 3 victims seriously injured by the raging flood to the emergency room in time.

Overcoming difficulties and hardships, young soldiers always smile brightly when completing their missions.

Lieutenant Phan Tien Hung shared: Early afternoon on August 1, I received orders from the commander of Regiment 741 to command 10 soldiers of Company 2, Battalion 1, Regiment 741 to march to Tia Mung village, Tia Dinh commune, Dien Bien province to support people and search and rescue. After more than 1 hour of marching, at about 2:00 p.m., the unit's officers and soldiers were present at the assembly location.

Due to landslides and road blockages caused by floods, the soldiers continued to march on foot for more than 2 hours. During the march to Tia Mung village, Tia Dinh commune, the soldiers approached 3 victims who were being transported to the emergency room by their families and local people. Faced with the hardships and cries for help from the people, Lieutenant Phan Tien Hung reported to his superiors and assigned forces to quickly support the people carrying stretchers. In the midst of the Dien Bien flood, when roads were cut off, human lives became more fragile than ever. The soldiers hurriedly waded through streams, crossed forests, and crossed mountains, making the most of every precious minute to save the lives of the injured, making everyone admire them. After nearly 9 hours of continuous marching, at 1:45 a.m. on August 2, the soldiers promptly handed over the victims to the medical force in urgent need of emergency care. Medical staff quickly provided first aid and transported the three victims by ambulance to Dien Bien Provincial General Hospital for emergency treatment.

Soldiers helped transport the victim to the ambulance.

Lieutenant Phan Tien Hung confided: “Just a few minutes of delay could have cost people their lives. While moving through mud puddles and slippery slopes, we held the hammock with one hand and leaned on a stick or held onto a tree along the way to avoid falling. Despite blisters on our feet and pain all over our bodies, I always encouraged the soldiers to move forward, because people’s lives come first and foremost.”

In the dark night, under the shimmering lights, overcoming many muddy roads, slippery slopes, the brave and selfless action of Lieutenant Phan Tien Hung and 10 soldiers of Battalion 1, Regiment 741, Dien Bien Provincial Military Command, overcoming danger to save the lives of 3 victims affected by the flood is a symbol of beautiful and responsible living of the youth of Military Region 2, demonstrating the good qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in the hearts of the people.