Khanh Hoa province hands over houses to families whose homes collapsed due to floods. (Photo: Van Phu)

Bac Ai Tay commune lies deep within Phuoc Binh National Park, where Raglai stilt houses are surrounded by forest. On November 19, last year, a once-in-a-century flood struck the area and isolated 6 villages filled by water, mud, and debris. Almost all houses were destroyed.

In response to the “Quang Trung Campaign” launched by the Prime Minister on December 1, 300 officers and soldiers of the Special Operation Forces Arms gathered in Bac Ai Tay commune immediately, determined to build new homes for the villagers before spring arrival.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Le Nhu Kien, Deputy Pollical Commissar of Brigade 5, Special Operation Force Arms, said: “Upholding the Quang Trung Campaign’s spirit of rapid response, whenever we had to build houses on difficult terrain, we immediately reinforced our manpower. Some homes were in narrow alleys which are inaccessible to vehicles, so the soldiers had to transport materials by handcart or by hand to the construction site.”

Bac Ai Tay commune lacks almost everything needed for house construction. To build walls strong enough to withstand the harsh highland climate, the soldiers patiently sifted sand by hand. They also cleared more than 2 kilometers of drainage ditches and cleaned up the environment to prevent post-disaster disease outbreaks. On some days, they even worked until midnight to stay on schedule and complete all the houses within 30 days.

Local resident Kator Than said: “During the storm, my wife and I had to stay four nights at the office of the communal People’s Committee. Now we have a new house, much better than before. We thank the soldiers for their great dedication and commitment.”

At the house handover ceremony, many villagers gathered to share their joy. In less than a month, the Special Operation Force Arms built 21 new houses and repaired 9 that were severely damaged in Bac Ai Tay commune. Each household received essential supplies worth 1,300 USD, contributed by officers, soldiers, and other donors.

Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyen, Chairwoman of the Bac Ai Tay commune People’s Committee, said: “I’ve never seen a housing construction campaign carried out so quickly. It was truly lightning-fast. It reflected deep bond between the soldiers and civilians. Wherever people face hardship, the army is always there to help.”

Bac Ai Tay commune is gradually recovering after the floods. The commune’s new, solid houses, symbols of military-civilian solidarity in peacetime, have helped the Raglai people regain their confidence and resilience as they rebuild their lives.