Using sniffer dogs to search for missing victims.

On the morning of November 16th, the search for missing victims in the devastating landslide in Hung Son border commune, Da Nang city, continued urgently. Colonel Do Xuan Hung, Deputy Chief of Staff of Military Region 5, was present at the scene to direct the search and rescue efforts.

Báo Tin Tức•16/11/2025

Photo caption — Search and rescue dogs are being used to find missing victims in the landslide in Hung Son border commune. Photo: 5th Military Region Command/VNA

The mobilized force includes hundreds of officers and soldiers from units under Military Region 5, along with the support of the police and local militia. Notably, specially trained search and rescue dogs have also been deployed to the scene. With their keen sense of smell, these "four-legged warriors" are being used to search for victims buried under layers of soil, rocks, and mud, in areas difficult for motorized vehicles to access. In addition to using conventional equipment, Military Region 5 has used drones (flycams) to survey and delineate search areas from above, aiming to improve efficiency and shorten rescue time.

Despite unfavorable weather conditions and treacherous terrain, with the spirit of "serving the people," officers, soldiers, and even sniffer dogs are still making every effort, racing against time to search for the missing victims. The supply of food, water, and medical equipment is also being ensured to provide the best possible support for the rescue forces. The search and rescue situation in Hung Son commune continues to receive special attention and close monitoring from all levels of government, relevant agencies, and the public.
As reported by the Vietnam News Agency: The horrific landslide occurred at approximately 9:30 AM on November 14th in the Pức hamlet area (Hùng Sơn commune) – the border area with the former Ch'ơm and Gari communes. According to information from the local authorities, despite the sunny weather, a large section of the hillside suddenly collapsed, sweeping away an estimated 1 million cubic meters of soil and rocks.

A massive landslide completely buried a section of Highway 4 and a farming area belonging to local residents. Authorities confirmed that three local people were in the farming area at the time of the incident and are currently unaccounted for. The suspected victims buried include Hoih Z'Nut (born in 1977), Zoram Nho (born in 1997), and Briu Thi Tep (born in 1998).

Immediately after receiving information about the incident, rescue operations were urgently deployed with the "four on-the-spot" principle. A forward command post was established at the scene to direct all search operations. The Da Nang City Military Command deployed more than 100 officers and soldiers to coordinate with the police, Ga Ry Border Guard Post, and Hung Son commune militia to participate in search and rescue efforts throughout the night. Specialized equipment such as drones and sniffer dogs were also mobilized to assist in observation and to pinpoint areas suspected of having victims, especially in steep terrain.

That same night, the Hung Son commune authorities organized the emergency relocation of 171 households with 664 people from the two villages of G'Lao and H'Juh out of the dangerous area, moving them to safe temporary shelters in schools and neighboring villages. Authorities arranged temporary accommodation, provided food and supplies to stabilize the lives of the people, and also visited and encouraged families whose relatives were missing.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/su-dung-cho-nghiep-vu-tim-kiem-nan-nhan-mat-tich-20251116105736343.htm