Humanity amidst the floods

In recent days, heavy rains and floodwaters from upstream have caused severe flooding and isolation in many areas of the province. But it is precisely in this difficult time, amidst the raging floodwaters, that the image of ordinary people, along with soldiers, police, border guards, and coast guard personnel, selflessly plunging into the floodwaters to rescue people, has become a shining example of humanity, warming the hearts of countless people.

Rushing into the floodwaters to save people.

The Quan Dong residential area (Ninh Hoa ward) has over 200 residents in the heart of the flood zone. In just a few hours, the floodwaters rose more than 2 meters, leaving residents no time to react and isolating and cutting off the area. Upon receiving the report, Comrade Ho Xuan Truong - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee - personally went to the scene to direct rescue efforts, mobilizing all forces to rescue people from the rising floodwaters. On the roads covered by water, the small boats and wooden canoes of the Quan Dong residential area suddenly became "specialized means" for rescue operations. Mr. Le Minh Man, a farmer only familiar with the fields, rowed his small boat for many hours, bringing the elderly, women, and children to safety. "I simply thought that we had to save people first. My house and my belongings are still there, but human lives are the most precious," Mr. Man said after pulling another child onto his boat.

Comrade Ho Xuan Truong - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee - encouraged Mr. Le Minh Man.

Comrade Ho Xuan Truong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, encouraged the frogmen participating in the rescue operation.

Not only did they row boats to rescue people, but many young people in the village formed volunteer teams, coordinating with the police and army to go to each isolated residential area. They waded through the cold water, delivering ropes, pushing stakes, carrying the elderly, helping students, and transporting relief goods. Those steps, though tiring, were still firm in the strong current, carrying with them a spirit of resilience and strong sharing, "loving others as oneself." When called upon by the Ninh Hai Border Guard Post, 13 young divers, who were part of the tourism rescue team, immediately grabbed their specialized diving gear and, undeterred by the danger, plunged into the floodwaters to assist the rescue forces. After spending hours diving in water more than 2 meters deep to rescue people, Nguyen Tan Dat, one of the 13 divers, shared: “In times of danger, saving lives is a command from the heart. Therefore, we must try our best to support the authorities and forces in safely evacuating as many people as possible from the flooded area.” After completing their rescue mission in Quan Dong residential area, Dat and his colleagues set off again to Ninh Phu residential area to continue rescuing residents.

In particular, when floodwaters rose, the immediate appearance of the army, police, border guards, and coast guard forces across key areas was noteworthy. Motorboats cut through the waves, entering dangerous zones; the bright orange of life jackets stood out against the murky water; strong hands lifted people from rapidly sinking rooftops onto rescue boats and rafts… All of this created a beautiful image of the spirit of "selfless service to the people." In the darkness of night, the loudspeakers of local police continuously blared, reminding people to remain calm and guiding them to safe gathering points. Many border guards stayed up all night to survey vulnerable areas; many Navy soldiers braved the floodwaters to rescue and assist in transporting relief supplies from the mainland to heavily flooded areas. Cold rain lashed their faces, their uniforms were soaked, but no one left their post. A soldier from the 4th Naval Region said: "When my unit dispatched me to provide assistance, I didn't hesitate to set off immediately. As long as the people out there are waiting for the soldiers, we will continue on our way."

Heartwarming meals and gifts amidst the flood-stricken areas.

Military personnel are participating in relief efforts for people in the flood-stricken areas.

In the midst of the vast expanse of floodwater, every supply became precious. It was at this time that human compassion was amplified once again. When over 200 residents of Quan Dong neighborhood were rescued from the flooded area, the Ninh Hoa Driving Training and Testing Center opened its doors, cleaned up its offices, and repurposed them as living quarters for the residents. At the same time, the center mobilized all its staff to help cook hot meals for the people in distress. Receiving a hot meal, Mr. Huynh Dang, a resident of Quan Dong neighborhood, said: “The floodwaters inundated my house, sweeping away all my belongings and food, so I went hungry for more than a day and a night. Fortunately, when the floodwaters rose, I was rescued by the army and local authorities, taken to a safe shelter, and provided with food and water. I sincerely thank the rescue forces, local authorities, and the Driving Test Center for creating conditions and supporting many families during this difficult time of hardship due to the floods.”

Locals are participating in providing food aid to people in flood-affected areas.

Upon learning that many households in Tay Nha Trang ward were isolated and suffering from hunger and cold, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Toan (from Nam Nha Trang ward) rallied his friends to donate over 10 million VND to buy essential food. Using three small boats, he paddled into the flood-stricken area to deliver warm meals directly to the isolated residents. Mr. Toan said: “My family is fortunate to be in an area unaffected by the flooding. But those people in the flood-stricken areas need the most right now for everyone's support. Therefore, we went ourselves to contribute to helping the government and the community overcome their difficulties.”

Mr. Nguyen The Anh's group (Nha Trang ward) delivered meals to support people in the flood-stricken areas.

In the spirit of "mutual support and compassion," over the past few days, people in many areas have voluntarily cooked thousands of hot meals to send to isolated households. On small boats, women's and youth members braved the rain and wind to deliver boxes of food, bottles of water, and packets of instant noodles to homes deeply affected by the flooding. Makeshift kitchens set up in schoolyards, village headquarters, and neighborhood offices became food collection points for the community. Some picked vegetables, others washed rice, and still others started cooking and distributing meals… Everyone had a task, all busy, but their eyes always shone with warmth. "In this situation, we help whoever we can. If we're full, others should be full too," said Nguyen The Anh (Nha Trang ward) while busily packing meals to distribute.

Witnessing these acts of kindness and compassion, Comrade Ho Xuan Truong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, expressed his gratitude to the military, police, border guards, and the people who selflessly sacrificed themselves for the community. At the same time, Comrade Ho Xuan Truong requested that localities, after the floods, acknowledge, commend, and reward units and individuals who made significant contributions and provided active support to the people in the flood-stricken areas.

It can be said that the devastating floods brought many losses, but no matter how much the natural disaster submerged, it could not sink the spirit of compassion and solidarity of the Vietnamese people. Amidst the vast expanse of water, these simple yet noble acts formed a "spiritual lifeline," supporting each other to overcome difficulties.

VAN GIANG

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202511/tinh-nguoi-trong-tam-lu-c332f4f/