The weather in the Central region after the flood was as hot as fire, the high temperature made the air scorching. Under each soldier's feet was a layer of sticky mud like malt candy, slippery and heavy, making each step seem to be held back. The muddy, heavy sandals, at times, the soldiers had to take them off and wade barefoot.

Commanding a mud-clearing force at the office of the People's Council and People's Committee of Ky Son district (old) (in block 1, Muong Xen commune), Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Cao Bao, Deputy Commander of Company 6, Battalion 2, Regiment 1, Division 324 shared: "Because the water has receded for many days, the amount of mud and soil has begun to dry, so using hoes and shovels to clear is very difficult. We had to use a pump, pump water in, wait for the mud to soften, then use hoes, shovels and mud-pushing boards. Outside the yard, the amount of mud was very large, so the locality sent in additional scrapers. Although it was very difficult and tiring, for the sake of the people's lives, we were determined to complete all tasks well."

Human and machine power are mobilized to the maximum to clear the mud.

The difficulties did not stop there! The stench from the carcasses of livestock and poultry swept away by the floodwaters and buried in mud for a long time was overwhelming. Therefore, shoveling mud to clear the yard, clear the road, or clearing piles of trash and tree branches, and finding items left after the flood for the people became even more difficult. Many soldiers had to work continuously in harsh conditions with simple protective equipment.

Soldiers help people in block 1, Muong Xen commune clean up a giant pile of trash.

It was just after 9am but the sun was already scorching in Muong Xen commune. While helping people in Block 5, Muong Xen commune clean up their houses, Private Cao Hong Long, Squad 8, Platoon 3, Company 3, Battalion 41, his shirt soaked with sweat shared with us: "Although the weather is hot, but given the circumstances of the families, we are not afraid of difficulties and hardships, helping them to soon stabilize their lives."

Colonel Pham Le Tuan, Deputy Division Commander, Chief of Staff of Division 324 (far left) encourages soldiers helping people in Block 1, Muong Xen commune.

Polluted air and contaminated water increase the risk of disease. Soldiers are directly involved in cleaning and collecting waste, so they are often exposed to polluted water sources, and are at high risk of contracting skin diseases and digestive diseases. Currently, the medical staff of Division 324 has dispatched forces to coordinate with local health departments to disseminate disease prevention and control measures, disinfect water sources, provide free medicine to people, and spray disinfectants.

Because they had to stay close to the area to help the people, the soldiers' living conditions were also extremely difficult. The units used schools, communal cultural houses, or vacant land to station troops. After the flood, roads were cut off, food supplies were interrupted, prices increased, and the units were far away, so receiving supplies was extremely difficult, which somewhat affected the soldiers' daily food rations... Despite the hardships and difficulties, no soldier faltered. Not a single complaint, because they understood that the mission was still there, and the people still needed them.

Soldiers of Regiment 764, Nghe An Provincial Military Command, were drenched in sweat while helping people clean their houses.

In hardship, the relationship between the army and the people became even more intimate. Many people shed tears when they saw the calloused hands clearing the mud and wiping their family photos. “If it weren’t for the soldiers’ help, I wouldn’t know what to do with this mud-filled house. You guys work so hard but you don’t complain,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Tan, a resident of Block 4, Muong Xen Commune, emotionally.

Soldiers of Regiment 764, Nghe An Provincial Military Command, are not afraid of difficulties to help people overcome the consequences of the flood.

Directly commanding the troops to help people in Muong Xen commune, Colonel Pham Le Tuan, Deputy Division Commander, Chief of Staff of Division 324 said: “As soon as we received the order, our unit quickly mobilized to Muong Xen commune to coordinate with local authorities to support the people. However, the deployment process encountered many difficulties, due to unusual weather, large amounts of garbage and mud, damaged infrastructure, electricity, water... However, we determined that helping people overcome the consequences of natural disasters is a political task, an order from the heart of a soldier.

The more difficult it is, the harder we have to try. The unit has mobilized maximum human resources and means, taking advantage of every hour to clear mud, repair houses, and restore people's lives. With the spirit of "wherever the people need, there are soldiers", we are determined to overcome all obstacles, staying in the area until the people stabilize their lives. That is not only a task, but also a responsibility and affection of soldiers towards the people".

Commander of Regiment 764 gives necessities and supports people to overcome difficulties.

Floods can sweep away property and houses, but they cannot sweep away the steel spirit and the hearts of the soldiers for the people. They are present in the most difficult places, doing the hardest work, silently but full of responsibility and humanity. Whether in wartime or peacetime, the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers always shine, because before them are the people.

Article and photos: LE ANH TAN

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/vuot-len-tat-ca-vi-cuoc-song-nguoi-dan-839429