Amid vast floodwaters, the spirit of sharing and helping others shown by many people in Gia Lai reached tens of thousands of residents stranded by raging floods.
As of the evening of November 19, Gia Lai province reported that 10,426 households, totaling 42,597 people, in the province’s eastern area had their homes flooded and were isolated due to the floods.
To support residents in the flood-affected areas, the Gia Lai Provincial Military Command mobilized 1,283 officers and soldiers, along with 20 boats, 3 armored vehicles, and 30 various types of cars to participate in rescue operations at critical locations. In addition, the 31st Division and the Military School of the 34th Corps also deployed personnel and mobile equipment to flood-isolated areas to assist residents in coping with the floods.
Jet skis are used to transport residents out of areas isolated by floods. Photo courtesy of local residents.
In Quy Nhon Dong ward, the 31st Division deployed 50 officers and soldiers, along with 2 specialized boats and life jackets, to carry out rescue operations and evacuate residents from dangerous areas. At the same time, the unit has prepared 200 additional officers and soldiers ready to be mobilized to critical locations on standby.
The Military School of the 34th Corps dispatched 59 officers and soldiers, equipped with specialized equipment, to Tuy Phuoc commune, coordinating with local authorities to conduct rescue operations and evacuate residents from flood-affected areas.
Officers and soldiers of the 31st Division evacuate residents of Quy Nhon Dong ward from dangerous areas. Photo courtesy of the unit.
In addition to the military and police forces, residents in the flood-affected areas have also received the generosity of those fortunate enough not to be struggling with the raging waters. Many volunteer groups have mobilized boats and jet skis, normally used for tourism, to assist in rescuing residents trapped in isolated flood zones.
Children in Quy Nhon Dong ward are escorted by soldiers of the 31st Division to safe evacuation areas. Photo courtesy of the unit.
Mr. Vo Ngoc Trien from Quy Nhon Dong ward (Gia Lai), who owns two tourist boats in Vung Ro and Chi Thanh (Dak Lak), immediately drove a truck hundreds of kilometers to bring the two boats back for rescue operations after hearing that the floods trapped many residents in Quy Nhon.
“On the afternoon of November 19, I brought the two boats to Quy Nhon and immediately helped transport food to people in isolated areas or those temporarily staying in evacuation sites,” Mr. Trien said.
Volunteers enthusiastically cook and pack relief supplies at Hai Au Hotel to deliver to residents in flood-affected areas. Photo: H.Y.
In addition, many volunteer teams, including SOS 115, SOS 77, Tu Nha Be group, Hoang Loi, Hoa Ky Co, and others, mobilized boats and jet skis to reach flood-isolated areas, delivering food supplies or transporting residents to safety. The Gia Lai Tourism Association provided VND 50 million to support groups operating rescue boats, even arranging for people to purchase and deliver fuel cans to staging points for boats and jet skis. Ms. Nguyen Kim Lien from Quy Nhon Nam ward also promptly donated 200 life jackets to volunteer rescue teams to help transport residents to safety.
These acts of generosity not only helped meet immediate needs but also boosted the morale of those facing the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the disaster.
Ms. Nguyen Kim Lien from Quy Nhon Nam ward also promptly donated 200 life jackets to volunteer rescue teams to help transport residents to safety. Photo: H.Y.
In addition, many restaurant and eatery owners in Quy Nhon voluntarily sent relief packages to rescue forces and residents temporarily evacuated to government offices and schools. Although these gifts were not of significant economic value, they warmed the hearts of flood-affected residents.
Images of rescue teams guiding each resident through rushing floodwaters, or volunteers wading through chest-deep water to deliver essential supplies, stand out as shining examples of human kindness amid the raging floods. In the midst of the raging floods, such acts of courage, dedication, and selflessness have become beacons of hope for tens of thousands of people affected across Gia Lai and surrounding provinces.
Vu Dinh Thung – Kieu Chi
Source: Vietnam Agriculture and Nature newspaper 20/11/2025
