Thứ Hai, 02/03/2026 09:36

Where storms rage, soldiers build hope

In the days just before the Lunar New Year, the headquarters of the Department of Rescue and Relief under Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense was filled with urgency and constant activity.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, the headquarters of t he Department of Rescue and Relief under Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense was a place of constant urgency.

Inside the office of Director of the Department of Search and Rescue Lieutenant General Doan Thai Duc, phones rang without pause as brief reports and rapid decisions flowed one after another.

All efforts focused on ensuring residents had homes before Tet.

The atmosphere reflected the closing phase of Quang Trung Campaign that capped a year in which rescue forces stood shoulder to shoulder with communities battered by natural disasters.

In 2025, the East Sea (South China Sea) recorded 21 storms and tropical depressions, surpassing previous records.

Launch ceremony for Quang Trung Campaign rebuilding homes in flood-hit areas, held by Military Region 5 and Dak Lak authorities on December 1, 2025.

Several storms intensified rapidly and behaved unpredictably, bringing prolonged heavy rains, landslides, and widespread flooding from northern mountains to central provinces.

The disasters disrupted lives nationwide, with severe damage reported across multiple military regions and especially heavy losses in Central and Central Highlands provinces such as Danang, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong.

A delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha delivers aid to flood-affected residents.

Under Quang Trung Campaign, the military worked with local authorities to repair 363 damaged houses and build 619 new homes for affected families.

Newly built homes reflect military–civilian solidarity in disaster recovery.

From December 1, 2025 to January 10, 2026, more than 312,000 personnel and over 10,500 vehicles were mobilized. All new homes were completed and handed over before Tet, ensuring families could welcome the New Year under safe roofs.

Farewell to soldiers after completing their mission in Quang Trung Campaign.

 

For the rescue forces, the mission’s success marked not only operational achievement but also a year defined by solidarity, resilience, and service to the people.

Translated by DO HUONG