In early August, after nature’s fury had passed, many highland communes of Điện Biên province lay in ruins. Mud engulfed everything, houses collapsed or leaned precariously, and roads were torn apart. At schools, desks, books, and teaching equipment lay scattered in thick mud, evoking heartache in all who saw it. As soon as the floodwaters receded, the provincial Youth Union issued a call for action, mobilizing all available forces. Like a command from the heart, thousands of young people put aside personal matters and, clad in blue volunteer shirts, rushed to the “hotspots” to help people recover.

Mr. Mùa Chiến Thắng, Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Youth Union, said: “The entire province quickly deployed 12 commune-level youth volunteer teams. Around 200 youth members were directly involved in severely affected areas such as Na Son, Tìa Dình, Xa Dung, and Mường Luân… coordinating with armed forces and medical teams, bringing the total to over 1,500 youth members providing support. The most urgent tasks were cleaning and restoring schools in time for the new academic year, repairing roads, and helping people rebuild homes.”

From Na Son and Xa Dung to Tìa Dình, everywhere witnessed the presence of youth union members in blue shirts working together with other forces to support people. They rolled up their sleeves to clear mud, transport essential goods, help people relocate their belongings, rebuild homes, clear waterways, repair roads, and support students’ return to school after the floods. Despite isolated roads, shortages in their own homes, and unfavorable weather, the young people of these communes tirelessly gave their best for the community, safety, and stability of the people’s lives, driven by a spirit of volunteerism and responsibility.

In those difficult days, the rescue story of Lầu A Mua, Secretary of the Xa Dung commune Youth Union, and his fellow youth members truly moved hearts. On the morning of August 1, upon receiving news that a mother and daughter in Cồ Dề village were seriously injured due to flooding, Mua and other youth members immediately set out. But the only road into the village had been destroyed. The only way to evacuate the victims was by manpower, carrying them across dozens of landslide points. A makeshift stretcher made from wood and a folded blanket was quickly fashioned. Mua and his teammates carried the patient for nearly 8 hours, crossing tens of kilometers of treacherous mountainous terrain.

“We carried the injured from Cồ Dề village, through the commune center, and into Háng Pu Xi village before reaching the main road where an ambulance was waiting. The patient was seriously injured, so we didn’t stop at all. Everyone was exhausted, our shoulders were blistered, but no one complained. We took turns, encouraged each other, and moved as quickly as we could. I was most worried about the 11-year-old girl, her face was swollen, she cried the whole time, said her stomach hurt badly. Seeing her like that, we were just afraid she wouldn’t make it…” he recalled.

Perhaps it was love and fear that gave them extraordinary strength, helping Lầu A Mua and his teammates overcome their limits and bring the mother and daughter to the hospital safely.

In Mường Luân commune, local youth also displayed a strong sense of responsibility and volunteerism for the community. Mr. Lò Văn Thắng, Secretary of the Mường Luân commune Youth Union, said: “To help people overcome difficulties after the floods, we mobilized about 50 young people, divided into 3 mobile teams: one at the commune center, two at former commune centers (Chiềng Sơ and Luân Giói). They both helped people recover and propagated flood prevention measures, guiding residents to move belongings to safety when there was danger. Additionally, we set up a team stationed at the dangerous road section in Pá Vạt village, where the main road was swept away, causing near-total traffic paralysis. Youth members were there to ensure safety, assist people through danger zones, and push vehicles to help them cross quickly.”

Faced with heavy flood damage in Huổi Có village, the Phình Giàng commune Youth Union promptly mobilized 20 youth members to form a volunteer team. They coordinated with the Commune Police, militia, and stationed units to help people overcome disaster consequences. With a spirit of volunteerism for the community, the youth actively helped people clear landslides, reinforce houses, unblock drainage, clean up the environment, and transport food and essential items to heavily affected households.

These actions by youth members in flood-stricken areas fully reflect the spirit of volunteerism, responsibility, and compassion of the younger generation. They not only helped people cope with immediate hardship but also planted hope for a brighter tomorrow. In difficult times, the youth’s role was not only physical aid but also a spiritual lifeline for those facing loss. That youthful strength and volunteer spirit have helped localities quickly recover from natural disasters, and, more importantly, inspire trust in a brave, compassionate, and always-ready generation of young people.