Military discipline in the flood-hit area of ​​Nghe An

After the flood, My Ly commune ( Nghe An province) had 58 houses completely swept away, 57 other houses were severely damaged, furniture and property buried deep in mud. The roads were littered with large rocks, many sections were eroded into deep holes, flood water and mud froze. The musty, musty smell of garbage and mud was still strong. Along the riverbank, many households had their entire houses swept away by the river water, and had to set up temporary tents.

Xieng Tam village, My Ly commune was devastated.

People set up temporary tents on their flooded houses.

Colonel Tran Manh Quan, Deputy Commander of Division 324, visited and encouraged people of My Ly commune.

The two-story stilt house of Mr. Lo Van Thien (Xieng Tam village, My Ly commune) now has only the wooden frame of the upper floor left. The entire first floor has been buried in mud up to the floor, only a few pieces of wood and a distorted door frame are faintly visible. All the property in the house, from the wooden table, wardrobe to the last bag of rice of the season, were swept away by the flood. A group of officers and soldiers of Regiment 335, Division 324 are hurriedly shoveling dirt, pulling rocks, removing rotten planks, and then repairing the house to help Mr. Thien's family soon have a stable place to live.

Soldiers of Regiment 335, Division 324 help Mr. Lo Van Thien's family clean up after the flood.

The army helped people rebuild their houses.

Mobilizing troops to help the people here was very difficult. Many roads were eroded, making it difficult for troops to move and transport food. The steep and rugged terrain made access and support even more difficult. Faced with these difficulties, the Division closely coordinated with local authorities to carefully survey and grasp the situation, especially in key areas where there was heavy damage. The force was organized and assigned reasonably, divided into many groups and directions to maximize efficiency; prioritizing the repair of administrative headquarters, roads and supporting families with preferential policies, single parents, those in difficult circumstances and those with heavy damage.

Colonel Tran Manh Quan, Deputy Commander of Division 324, directed troops to overcome flood consequences at the Xieng Tam village cultural house.

Soldiers of Division 324 clean up flood at Xieng Tam village cultural house, My Ly commune.

Directly commanding the troops to help people in the flooded area of ​​My Ly, Colonel Tran Manh Quan, Deputy Division Commander of Division 324, said: “With the spirit of “Where there are difficulties, there are troops”, the leaders and commanders of the Division have assigned specific tasks, requiring first of all to strictly follow discipline, maintain and promote the image of Uncle Ho’s soldiers in the hearts of the people. From eating, living, maintaining order to performing tasks, officers and soldiers are always exemplary. The entire unit thoroughly understands and strictly implements the 12 disciplinary rules when soldiers come into contact with the people, ensuring absolute safety in all activities”.

The sandals were washed clean of mud and neatly arranged.

Internal hygiene is still maintained at the shelter.

From early morning, groups of soldiers shouldered hoes and shovels to cross the landslide-hit road to reach the work site. Some days, the unit had to split into many directions, helping government offices, schools, and cultural houses clean up while also supporting local people.

Living conditions in the flood-hit areas were extremely poor. The soldiers had to borrow temporary accommodation from schools. The meals of the officers and soldiers were also more frugal than usual due to difficult transportation conditions and scarce local food sources. Amidst these hardships, the regular style and military discipline were still maintained. After a day of being soaked in mud, the sandals were washed and neatly arranged. The blankets were folded neatly and neatly like in the barracks. The clothes were neatly arranged in backpacks, and military equipment was carefully and neatly stored. Every night, despite being tired after a long day of hard work, the unit commander still maintained a roll call and regular order. Temporarily residing in remote forests and mountains, that disciplined lifestyle was still maintained like in the barracks, becoming a support and strength to continue helping the people in the flood-hit areas more effectively tomorrow.

When night falls, the lights go out, the steady breathing of the soldiers echoes mixed with the chirping of insects. Tomorrow they begin a new journey, perhaps farther, muddier, but always full of enthusiasm and dedication.

Article and photos: HOA LE