Attending the event was Trần Quốc Cường, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee.

The historic flash flood occurred on June 27, 1990, claiming the lives of 72 people and injuring 251 others in the former Lai Châu town. Another flash flood in 1996 caused two more deaths.

In remembrance of the victims and the officers and soldiers who perished during these disasters, the requiem was held with solemnity and reverence. The ceremony began with the “kiều vong” ritual (inviting wandering souls) on the Sơn La Hydropower Reservoir, symbolically guiding lost souls to find refuge in the Buddhist realm.

This was followed by a series of spiritual rites at Linh Ứng Pagoda, including offerings to the Buddha, incense rituals, prayers for peace, the “Mông Sơn thí thực” ceremony (offerings to the wandering spirits), and a lantern ceremony at the town’s cultural-spiritual complex.

The requiem reflected the nation’s deeply rooted tradition of gratitude and remembrance, educating younger generations about the profound losses endured by civilians and frontline personnel during natural disasters. It also served as a moment to pray for national peace, favorable weather, and a prosperous, happy life for all.

In addition to the main activities on April 5, the grand requiem also featured side events from April 4-6, including the display and introduction of traditional local products and OCOP specialties, as well as a photo exhibition and cultural space showcasing the ethnic Thái people at the Mechanical Boat Wharf in Mường Lay town.