Working in the sun and mud to help people in flooded areas

Although half a month has passed since the historic flood, to reach the communes of Muong Tip, Bac Ly and My Ly, the troops had to move through dangerous mountain passes, where many large and small landslides still pose the risk of landslides and falling rocks at any time. On one side are deep abysses, on the other side are high mountains, many sections of the road have collapsed and eroded, half of the road surface has been washed away, leaving only a small trail along the mountainside.

On the evening of August 7, the 324th Division mobilized to the locations to help the people. The unit quickly stabilized their accommodation so that they could help the people on the morning of August 8. The force was divided into 3 groups and deployed to the communes that suffered heavy damage, including: My Ly, Muong Tip and Bac Ly.

Officers and soldiers of Division 324 help Muong Tip Kindergarten clean up after the flood.

The weather in the Central region is extremely hot, with outdoor temperatures reaching nearly 40°C. Despite marching and working in harsh weather, wading through mud, and crossing mountains, the soldiers are determined to help the people regardless of the hardship. Sweat flows in streams, mud covers sleeves, shoes, boots, many soldiers have blisters on their hands from constantly using hoes, shovels... but no one falters.

In Muong Tip commune, the situation is still difficult as the area has been without electricity for many days, and living conditions are extremely poor. The road from the center of Muong Xen commune (the center of the old Ky Son district) to Muong Tip is nearly 20km long, but due to many landslides, it takes nearly an hour to travel. Despite facing many difficulties, the officers and soldiers all uphold their sense of responsibility, overcome difficulties, and make every effort to help the people.

Lieutenant Colonel Luu Viet Ha, Deputy Chief of Staff of Division 324, who directly commanded troops to help people in Muong Tip commune, shared: “After surveying and coordinating with local authorities, we determined to focus on repairing public works, offices, and schools in the immediate future. In the remaining time, the unit will help families with heavy damage, policy families, and single parents clear mud and repair houses. It is expected that the unit will stay in Muong Tip commune until it helps local authorities and people basically overcome the consequences of the flood before withdrawing.”

After the historic flood swept through the western border communes of Nghe An , schools in Muong Tip, Bac Ly, and My Ly communes were still submerged in mud, while the new school year was approaching. Soldiers from Regiment 335 spread out to all schools, trying to clear the mud.

Officers and soldiers of Division 324 help Muong Tip Kindergarten clean up after the flood.

At Muong Tip Kindergarten, before the soldiers arrived, mud covered the schoolyard and classrooms, some up to knee-deep. The school’s cafeteria had been swept away, leaving only a few dirty plastic chairs in the schoolyard.

“After the flood receded, our teachers tried to clean up but were almost helpless in the face of the overwhelming workload. When the soldiers arrived, in just one day, the schoolyard was cleaned, the mud was pushed away, the clean water tank was flushed...”, teacher Pham Thi Hong, the school’s principal, choked up as she recounted.

Soldiers of Division 324 clear rocks and soil at Bac Ly 2 Primary School.

In My Ly commune, My Ly 2 Primary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities suffered the most serious damage, almost “erased”. The facilities were severely damaged, and learning equipment was swept away by the water. The school, once the safest place for children, now only has cracked walls and thick mud stuck to every brick.

Not minding the hardship, the officers and soldiers of Division 324 divided into groups to clean up. Under the hot sun after the rain, sweat soaked their backs, mud covered their hands and shoes.

Soldiers of Division 324 clear rocks and soil at Bac Ly 2 Primary School.

At Bac Ly 2 Primary School, in just one morning, dozens of soldiers cleared all the classrooms and schoolyard, and wheeled the mud out into large piles outside the gate. Large rocks from landslides were moved outside.

According to statistics from the Department of Education and Training of Nghe An province, the whole province has more than 50 schools affected by floods, of which 18 schools are severely flooded. The three communes of Muong Tip, Bac Ly, and My Ly are the places that suffered the most damage. Schools were washed away, damaged, books and teaching equipment were almost completely lost. Although there are still many difficulties, with the support of the army, each classroom is gradually being cleaned. The dedication and responsibility of the army gives hope and strength to hundreds of teachers and students in the border area.

“In just a few days, the laughter of children will echo in this schoolyard again,” Ms. Pham Thi Hong told me, her eyes filled with emotion.

Article and photos: HOA LE