Natural disasters in 2025 caused heavy losses for many residential areas in Điện Biên province. The peak was the flash flood that swept through Xa Dung, Mường Luân, and Na Son communes in the early morning of August 1 with particularly serious consequences, including 10 deaths and numerous injuries. Houses, property, crops, and transport infrastructure were swept away or severely damaged, leaving some areas completely cut off and isolated.

Upon receiving the news, hundreds of officers and soldiers from units under the provincial Military Command immediately set out for the heart of the flood. Each task force crossed landslide points to search for missing persons, evacuate residents, and establish temporary safe zones. Roads cluttered with fallen trees and rocks were cleared section by section, while swept-away school sites were marked for rebuilding plans, and households that lost their homes were moved to temporary shelters.

In the areas heavily affected by the floods, the military uniform was present day and night. Quick meals amidst the mud, light sleep in temporary shacks, and sun-tanned hands delivering relief goods became the anchor helping people stand up after their losses. As the water receded, leaving muddy roads and tilted houses filled with debris, the soldiers pioneered side by side with the people to clean homes, clear classrooms and medical stations, and wade through streams to bring rice and clean water to each household.

At the same time, a special program titled “30 Days of Speed - To the Finish Line” was launched. On August 29, 2025, at the Háng Pu Xi resettlement area in Xa Dung commune, a competition ceremony to build new houses and repair old ones for flood victims was organized. Hundreds of armed forces personnel spread out to villages to coordinate with local authorities and residents to level ground, dig foundations, erect frames, and roof houses. The sound of saws and hammers created a vibrant atmosphere at these “special construction sites” in the highlands.

Soldier Hồ Minh Sim from Regiment 741 of the provincial Military Command recalled that they often worked from morning till night. Despite unfavorable weather and blistered hands from continuous use of picks and shovels, the personnel encouraged each other to persevere. Thinking of the moment when the residents would smile as they stepped into a new home after many days of waiting made all the fatigue feel lighter.

After one month, the goal of building dozens of new houses and repairing hundreds of damaged ones was basically completed. Sturdy houses rose up, providing people with safe shelter and adding the willpower to stabilize their lives. Mùa A Minh from Háng Pu Xi village in Xa Dung commune shared excitedly that the flood took away his property and home, but in the most desperate days, the soldiers arrived to build a house. With a sturdy new home, the family feels very secure, and thanks to the soldiers, they can start over.

Beyond disaster relief, soldiers also accompany the people in every livelihood activity. In the border area of Sín Thầu, the image of officers and soldiers working with the people to improve fields and providing technical guidance on rice planting, crop care, and livestock breeding has become familiar. From “hand-holding” sessions, many households have boldly changed their farming habits, switching from old practices to new processes, and learning how to keep seeds, compost manure, and record seasons to increase productivity.

Lieutenant Colonel Phan Ngọc Toản, Commander of the Leng Su Sìn Border Post, stated that mass mobilization in border areas cannot be rushed. To gain the people’s trust, one must first be close and understand the life and habits of each village. Whatever the people need, no matter how small, the soldiers support immediately. By creating a strong bond, their words become persuasive.

Skillful mass mobilization is seen as the key to success in the highlands, where trust opens the door to change. On the winding mountain slopes, the image of soldiers staying with the people and villages has become part of daily life. Through this deep bond, the military-civilian relationship becomes even tighter, forming a “soft shield” and evoking the strength of national unity in building and protecting the Fatherland.