Soldiers tirelessly wade through mud in search of flashflood victims

Nearly 300 soldiers, along with mobile police and border guards from Lao Cai province, and five sniffer dogs, are still working hard to find those reported missing in the tragedy.

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The flashfloods have so far left 55 dead and 12 missing.

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Mudding hampers the search, making it impossible for soldiers to access locations without the assistance of heavy machinery.

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It’s worth remembering that on September 10 morning flashfloods accompanied by rocks and soil sweep through Nu village, flattening 37 houses, home to more than 100 residents.

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Immediately after the landslide occurs, Regiment 98 of Division 316, Military Region 2, dispatches more than 300 officers and soldiers to carry out search and rescue operations.

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Lieutenant General Pham Hong Chuong, Commander of Military Region 2, and Dang Xuan Phong, Secretary of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee, rush to the scene to direct the search for victims.

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Under the scorching heat of 32-34 degrees Celsius, soldiers and local militia tirelessly wade through mud with sticks and hoes searching for the dead bodies.

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After days of heavy rain, a large volume of water has flooded the village, carrying away a lot of mud and debris. The soldiers have to immerse themselves in the water and slushy mud, using probing rods to search for the victims’ locations.

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The soldiers carefully navigate through the thick mud, avoiding countless sharp objects like nails, metal pieces, and even everyday knives from houses that have been swept away by the flashfloods.

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In such treacherous conditions, the soldiers often encounter accidents. Private Thao Mi Linh, 20, steps on a large nail that pierces deep into the sole of his foot.

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Five sniffer dogs have been deployed for the search and rescue operations.

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In the early days of the search, more bodies are continually recovered from debris.

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The soldiers continuously work together to carry the deceased up the slope halfway through the village for forensic examination and to hand over to their families for burial.

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Hoang Van Diep, the head of Nu village, says: “We are truly moved and grateful. Despite the dangerous and difficult tasks, the soldiers seem to forget everything else; they truly are the 'backbone' of the community during these challenging times.”

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“In recent days, we have been deeply moved by the dedication and responsibility of the officers and soldiers. They have bravely faced hardships and dangers, working day and night in the floodwaters alongside local authorities to mitigate the disaster’s impact,” says a local resident.

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After many hours of work, the soldiers take a short break for lunch and snap before carrying on the task.

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Currently, the forward command post in Nu village is continuing to deploy forces and identify additional locations where people may be buried, in search of the 12 missing victims.

Soldiers tirelessly wade through mud in search of flashflood victims

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