Military forces helping clean and sanitize schools after the floods

As floodwaters began to recede on the morning of October 31st, Division 968 mobilized 500 officers and soldiers, along with vehicles and logistics equipment, to affected areas where they collaborated with local authorities and on-site forces to clean up debris and restore sanitation after severe floods.

Throughout the morning, the armed forces of Hue City simultaneously launched clean-up operations across key locations. In central streets and residential areas, soldiers joined with local authorities to clear mud, remove trash, unclog drainage systems, and transport fallen trees and obstacles out of the roads. Many task groups were assigned to specific areas, working continuously with the goal of cleaning thoroughly and efficiently.

 Officers and soldiers courageously assisting residents in overcoming severe floods

On early morning of October 31st, at the Area Defense Command (ADC) No. 1 – Huong Tra, all officers and soldiers were mobilized across 20 wards and communes to help residents recover from the floods.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Thanh, Commander of ADC 1 – Huong Tra, shared: “Our unit just recovered the body of a flood victim who went missing last night, at 10:45 p.m. The victim, Tran Hoang V. M., born in 2007, was swept away by floodwaters on the afternoon of October 29th near National Highway 1A, in Huong Tra Ward. Because the area is low-lying and close to the fast-flowing Bo River, dozens of soldiers and rescuers with various equipment worked nearly three days and nights before finding the victim.”

In addition to search and rescue operations for missing people, over the past few days, ADC 1 – Huong Tra has mobilized all available personnel and equipment across 17 wards and 3 communes under its responsibility. The unit has been directly assisting residents, while also coordinating with local Party committees and authorities, and guiding commune and ward military commands in flood prevention and relief efforts. Furthermore, the unit’s female officers and staff have organized the packing of hundreds of relief packages, which are being delivered urgently to isolated areas to support affected residents.

At the same time, Division 968 deployed hundreds of soldiers and vehicles from Phong Dien and Phong Thai communes to assist Hue City. Upon arrival, troops were divided among residential neighborhoods, markets, and schools, focusing on the most heavily affected areas.

Soldiers from Regiment 6 helping clean up Dong Ba market environment 

At Dong Ba Market, one of the hardest-hit sites due to prolonged flooding, over 100 soldiers from Division 968 joined the market management board and local forces to remove mud and waste as well as clean the entire area. Walkways and stalls were cleared to help the market resume operations as soon as possible.

In various schools, the City Military Command worked with local militias to clean mud, wash desks and chairs, arrange classroom equipment, and dry students’ materials, while disinfecting and sanitizing the premises, with the goal of enabling students to return to class as soon as possible.

In riverside wards, where water receded slowly and thick mud remained, soldiers and local militia cleaned roads, collected waste, and unclogged drainage systems. Numerous vehicles, trucks, and pumps were mobilized to remove mud, trash, and wastewater. The teams operated under the motto: “Clean wherever the water recedes,” giving priority to city centers, schools, hospitals, markets, and public facilities.

Senior Lieutenant General Truong Thien To, Deputy Director of the General Department of Politics, together with Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee Nguyen Chi Tai, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, visiting, encouraging, and presenting gifts to militia forces assisting local residents 

In recent days, military forces have mobilized more than 10,000 personnel and over 500 vehicles to assist localities in flood response and recovery efforts. Guided by the spirit: “Everything for our compatriots – helping the people, saving the people, is a silent command!”

Story and photos: Thai Binh