Humanity raised amid fierce floods

Extensive torrential rains have left many parts of Khanh Hoa Province severely flooded and cut off. Amid the vast floodwater, countless individuals, alongside the army, police, border guards, and coast guard, have selflessly plunged into the floodwaters to save lives, bringing warmth and hope.

Ho Xuan Truong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, encourages a rescue volunteer, Le Minh Man.

Ho Xuan Truong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, encourages a "frogman" joining the flood rescue efforts.

Braving fierce floodwaters to save lives

More than 200 people were left stranded by flooding in Quan Dong residential group (Ninh Hoa Ward) when the flood water rose more than 2m high in just a few hours. Upon receiving the news, Ho Xuan Truong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, directly went to the scene to direct the rescue operations.

Along submerged roads, bamboo boats and wooden boats of the people of Quan Dong residential group have been used in the rescue. "I think simply, we have to save lives which are the most precious," Le Minh Man said after rowing his small boat for hours, bringing the elderly, women and children to safety.

Not only did they row boats to rescue people, but many young villagers also joined volunteer teams, working alongside the police and army to reach isolated residential areas. They waded through the cold water, passed ropes, secured stakes, carried the elderly, assisted children, and transported relief supplies.

When called by Ninh Hai Border Guard Station, 13 “frogmen” who are tourist rescue swimmers immediately rushed into the floodwaters with specialized diving suits to support the rescue. After hours of diving in water more than 2m deep to rescue people, Nguyen Tan Dat, said, "In times of danger, saving people is the command of the heart. For that reason, we must try our best to support the government and the forces to bring people out of the flood area safely." After completing the rescue mission in Quan Dong Residential Group, they continued the support efforts in Ninh Phu residential area.

In particular, as floodwaters rose, the army, police, border guards, and coast guard were present timely in all key areas. Motorboats cut through the waves to reach dangerous zones; the bright orange of life jackets stood out against the murky water; and strong hands lifted people from the roofs, guiding them into canoes and rescue boats.

Army forces help with the flood relief.

Providing food for people in flood-affected areas.

In the dark of night, local police loudspeakers echoed continuously, urging residents to remain calm and directing them to safe places. Border guards stayed awake through the night to patrol vulnerable areas, while naval soldiers plunged into the floodwaters to rescue stranded people and deliver relief supplies from the mainland to severely inundated regions.

A soldier from Naval Region 4 said, “When I was ordered to join the rescue, I did not hesitate to set out immediately, because there were still people out there waiting for us to save.” 

Warm meals and relief reaching flood areas

In the vast expanse of floodwaters, every act of relief became precious. In those moments, the spirit of humanity shone even brighter. When more than 200 residents of the Quan Dong Residential Group were rescued from the flooded area, the Ninh Hoa Driver Training and Testing Center opened its offices to accommodate them. The unit also mobilized all officers and employees to help cook meals for the evacuees.

Huynh Dang, a resident of Quan Dong, said, “The floodwaters swept away everything, our furniture and food. Fortunately, I was rescued by the army and local authorities, taken to a safe shelter, and provided with food and water. I sincerely thank the rescue forces, local authorities, and the Driver Testing Center for their support.”

Nguyen Ngoc Toan, from Nam Nha Trang Ward, rallied his friends to raise over VND 10 million to buy essential food supplies. Using three basket boats, they delivered the goods to isolated households in Tay Nha Trang Ward. “For people in the flood‑affected areas, what they need most right now is support. That’s why we came here to join hands with the government and the community to help people through this difficult time,” he said.

Nguyen The Anh's group (Nha Trang Ward) delivers meals to people in the flooded area.

In the spirit of “mutual love and support,” many people volunteered to cook and deliver thousands of meals to isolated households. On small boats, members of the Women’s Union and Youth Union braved the rain and wind to bring boxes of food, bottles of water, and packets of noodles to flooded homes. Makeshift kitchens were set up in schoolyards, village halls and residential areas.  The volunteers helped with cooking, washing dishes, and distributing supplies. “In this situation, I do whatever I can to help those in need,” said Nguyen The Anh from Nha Trang Ward, smiling as his hands busily packed boxes of food for delivery.

Witnessing these acts of kindness amid the flooding, Ho Xuan Truong, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, expressed his gratitude to the military, police, border guards, and citizens who sacrificed themselves for the community. He also urged local authorities, once the flood subsides, to commend and reward organizations and individuals who made significant contributions in supporting people in the hardest‑hit areas.

Though the fierce flood brought many losses, it also elevated the spirit of humanity and solidarity. Amid the waves, those simple yet noble actions became a source of strength, helping people overcome the hardship together.

V.G

Translated by N.T