14 flights over flood waters deliver relief goods to isolated areas

VTV.vn - A special "air bridge" has been set up to ensure safety for 14 helicopter flights transporting dozens of tons of relief goods to people in flood-affected areas.

Rescue helicopter before takeoff.

In harsh weather conditions with limited visibility, a special "air bridge" was set up to ensure the safety of 14 helicopter flights transporting dozens of tons of relief goods to people in areas completely cut off by floods in the northern mountainous region.

Helicopters of Regiment 916 carry relief goods to Lang Son . Photo: VATM.

In recent days, due to the impact of storm No. 11, prolonged heavy rains have caused serious flooding, isolating many areas in Cao Bang , Lang Son and Thai Nguyen provinces. In the face of the emergency, the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) has immediately activated a special coordination mechanism with the Air Defense - Air Force, giving top priority to relief flights.

On October 8, the sky in the North was overcast with low clouds and heavy rain, but the pilots of the 918th Air Brigade and the 916th Air Regiment still bravely took off. From Hoa Lac, Kep and Gia Lam airports, 14 flights of multi-purpose helicopters Mi-171 and Mi-17 were carried out, transporting dozens of tons of essential supplies including food, medicine, clean water and life jackets to isolated "hot spots".

The mission became even more challenging when it took place in extreme weather conditions. The rugged mountainous terrain combined with deep flooding prevented many flights from landing. The flight crews had to perform aerial drop techniques, requiring precise coordination and absolute safety between the pilots and ground flight control forces.

Flight operations crew at Hanoi Long Area Control Center (Northern Air Traffic Management Company).

To ensure the safety of these flights, a coordinated network has been established. Air traffic controllers at the Hanoi Air Traffic Control Center (ACC Hanoi), the Noi Bai Airport Approach Control Tower (APP Noi Bai) and forward control stations have been working continuously. They have been constantly updating meteorological information, flexibly coordinating air traffic flows, providing the most accurate instructions to provide maximum support to flight crews in near-zero visibility conditions.

VATM representative shared: "Every precise command, every timely guidance information, every smooth coordination between air traffic control and air force contributes to bringing 'humanitarian flights' to people in flood-affected areas. This is not only a task, but also a responsibility, spreading the spirit of mutual love of the Vietnamese aviation industry in difficult times."

Source: https://vtv.vn/14-chuyen-bay-vuot-mua-lu-dua-hang-cuu-tro-toi-vung-bi-co-lap-100251010152033603.htm