Soldiers braved storms to reach Mong people in Cao Minh commune

The recent circulation of storm No. 11 caused prolonged heavy rain, causing serious landslides in Cao Minh commune. In particular, Nam Sai village had 20 households affected, of which 5 households had their houses buried by rocks and soil, and their properties were completely damaged. The power grid and telephone signals were frequently interrupted, making communication and rescue difficult. Upon receiving the information, the Provincial Military Command mobilized more than 50 officers and soldiers from the Defense Command of Area 1 - Duc Xuan and the 750th Infantry Regiment to promptly help people overcome the consequences.

Soldiers joined in supporting people of Cao Minh commune to overcome damage caused by storms and floods.

Over 200km from the provincial administrative center, with complex terrain and narrow, winding roads, more than 50 officers and soldiers from the Defense Command of Region 1 - Duc Xuan and Infantry Regiment 750 carried tools, supplies, and food to Cao Minh - where the Mong ethnic group mainly lives.

In the middle of the rainy night, the road to the commune was slippery, with many landslides causing vehicles carrying people and goods to stop. Soldiers had to wade through mud, cross streams, and carry each bag of goods and each shovel to the scene. There were stretches where they had to walk for kilometers in the cold rain to reach the people as soon as possible.

Colonel Trinh Tien Dung, Political Commissar of the Defense Command of Region 1 - Duc Xuan, said: We quickly consulted, agreed on a plan, fully prepared military equipment, and ensured absolute safety for immediate mobilization. The goal is to quickly overcome the situation, help people stabilize soon, and leave no one behind.

As soon as they reached the landslide area, the soldiers immediately divided into small groups to encourage the people, help to reinforce their houses, clear mud and soil, and rearrange their belongings. On the still-unclear land, they worked tirelessly. The family of Sam Phung Son, in Nam Sai village, was one of the most severely damaged. Their newly built wooden stilt house, which had been completely tilted and collapsed, was completely destroyed by the landslide.

Mr. Sam Phung Son's house was rebuilt by soldiers after the flood.

Mr. Sam Phung Son was moved: If the soldiers had not returned, the family would not have known what to do. The house that had just been repaired was buried, all the furniture was broken. Thanks to the soldiers' help, we were able to clean up... Those simple words demonstrate the trust and affection the Mong people have for Uncle Ho's soldiers, who are not afraid of hardship and are always there when the people need them.

According to preliminary statistics, the whole commune had more than 50 houses damaged, hundreds of meters of fence collapsed, many areas of crops were buried. The commune government coordinated with the Provincial Military Command to make a list of support, and at the same time urgently evacuated households in high-risk areas to safety.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of Cao Minh Commune People's Committee, said: Immediately after receiving the information, the armed forces quickly arrived at the landslide sites, directly helping the people. The spirit of urgency, responsibility and discipline of the soldiers moved the people. Officers and soldiers coordinated to check areas at risk of landslides, support the rebuilding of houses, and restore production. Amid the mud and dirt, the green shirts of the soldiers still worked diligently, bringing strength and confidence to the people of the highlands.

Colonel Ma Cong Hoc, Provincial Party Committee member, Political Commissar of the Provincial Military Command (second from right) encouraged Sam Phung Son's family.

When the new roofs were gradually rebuilt and the roads were temporarily opened, the smiles of the people returned. In the midst of hardship, the image of the soldier "Serving the People" shone brightly - simple, close and resilient. Many young soldiers had not changed their clothes for two days, their meals were just rice balls with sesame salt in the middle of a temporary shelter, but everyone encouraged each other "As long as the people are safe, we are happy". It was not only a rescue mission, but also a journey of humanity, military-civilian love, a strong bond between the army and the people - a precious tradition that has been forged through many generations.

Natural disasters can wash away roofs and property, but they cannot wash away faith. That faith is further strengthened when Cao Minh people witness the strong hands of soldiers helping to rebuild their lives after the storm.

When the first rays of sunlight returned to the mountainside, the soldiers packed their backpacks and left the village, leaving behind grateful eyes and tight handshakes. The soldiers came, did their best, then quietly left, but the love between the army and the people remained forever. The image of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” in peacetime – quiet, loyal, simple but noble.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/202510/bo-doi-vuot-mua-bao-den-voi-dong-bao-mong-xa-cao-minh-9471cb3/