On the morning of October 31, more than 500 officers and soldiers of Division 968 were ordered to move into Hue city, carrying vehicles, tools and logistical materials. Convoys of vehicles followed each other into residential areas, schools, markets and heavily affected public areas.

At Dong Ba market, the city's largest traditional market, the scene was heartbreaking, with water more than a meter deep for many days, causing serious damage to goods and a strong stench. After 11 am in the hot sun, muddy soldiers were still diligently shoveling trash, clearing mud, and clearing sewers so the market could soon resume operations.

Corporal Le Xuan Tien, a soldier of Squad 4, Platoon 8, Company 3, Battalion 4, Regiment 19, Division 968, wiped the sweat rolling down his forehead and shared: "Seeing the people suffer like this, we just wish we could do more, faster so that the market can operate again soon. It's hard, but if we can help and share with the people, we are happy."

Officers and soldiers of Division 968 coordinated with local government forces in Vi Da ward, Hue city to clean the streets.

In the still-cluttered market, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huong, a vendor over 70 years old, with trembling hands wiped the bunches of bananas left after the flood, her voice choked up as she said: “The water rose very quickly, it was deep, and almost all the bananas were spoiled. Since morning, I have dumped so many baskets of goods. I will try to clean up the little I have left to sell for some money, otherwise it would be a pity to throw it all away.” Looking at the soldiers diligently sweeping the mud, Mrs. Huong smiled, her eyes filled with tears: “Luckily, the soldiers came to help, otherwise, with our old strength, how could we clean up? I feel so sorry for them, they worked tirelessly, cleaning up as they went.”

Soldiers help people clean up at Dong Ba market.

Ms. Bui Thi Thu Hang, Head of Dong Ba Market Management Board, said: “The entire market was flooded a meter deep, 100% of the traders were affected. As soon as the water receded, the army arrived to help us clean up. They worked very responsibly, effectively, and with discipline. All the traders were touched and grateful.”

Soldiers help Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huong, a 70-year-old vendor at Dong Ba market, clean up her stall.

Not only at Dong Ba market, but also throughout Hue city, images of soldiers can be seen everywhere. At schools, soldiers carefully clean tables and chairs, dry books, and disinfect classrooms so that students can return to class soon. On main roads, they clear sewers, collect garbage, and transport mud away from residential areas, helping the city gradually return to normal life.

Although with limited time during the day (due to mobility), on the first day, officers and soldiers of Division 968 helped the people of Hue city clean 6 schools; nearly 6km of key traffic roads; collected more than 60m3 of mud and nearly 80m3 of various types of waste; cleaned part of Dong Ba market area and Ben Nuoc park...

Colonel Nguyen Manh Ha, Deputy Division Commander of Division 968, said: “The Division is stationed in Quang Tri province and Hue city, so every year we develop a specific plan for storm and flood prevention and control, and coordinate with local authorities to practice regularly. Recently, due to the impact of storm No. 12 causing heavy rain and deep flooding in many places, the Division promptly mobilized 500 officers and soldiers to move to Hue city, divided into many directions and many teams to help people clean up and sanitize the environment, especially in schools and key residential areas.”

Major General Hoang Duy Chien, Deputy Commander of Military Region 4, encouraged officers and soldiers of Division 968 who are helping people in Hue City.

The timely and effective actions of the officers and soldiers of Division 968 in particular and the armed forces in the area in general, not only help people overcome the current difficulties but also clearly demonstrate the spirit of "The army and the people are like fish and water", the close bond between the armed forces and the people in all circumstances. Wherever there are difficulties, there are the figures of soldiers, wherever people need them, there they are present./.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/su-doan-968-giup-nhan-dan-thanh-pho-hue-khac-phuc-hau-qua-sau-lu-994811