Leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security welcome the rescue and relief teams at Noi Bai international airport, April 8, 2025. (Photo:qdnd.vn)

The Vietnamese rescue team worked tirelessly throughout their 10-day mission, doing everything possible to reunite victims with their loved ones—whether they were found alive or not.

Vietnam was one of the first countries to send rescue forces to Myanmar after the disaster. Working closely with the Ministry of Public Security team, the Vietnam People's Army team recovered 28 bodies and rescued one survivor.

They faced extreme heat over 40 DC, pollution from decomposing bodies and floodwaters, language barriers, and the constant risk of collapsing walls due to aftershocks. But these challenges didn’t stop them—instead, they motivated the team to work even harder to save as many lives as possible.

Colonel Nguyen Duy Minh, Deputy Director of the Ministry of National Defense’s Department of Foreign Relations. (Photo:plo.vn)

"We worked with urgency and determination, making the most of every minute to help the team succeed," Colonel Nguyen Duy Minh, Deputy Director of the Ministry of National Defense’s Department of Foreign Relations and Deputy Head of the Vietnamese rescue team in Myanmar, said.

Each member showed strong will and commitment, he noted. “We regard this as a peacetime operational mission, fully aware of the noble responsibility entrusted to us by the Party, the State, and the Army—and of its profound humanitarian and humanistic significance. We carried the spirit of international friendship and the Vietnamese tradition of mutual support and compassion—loving others as we love ourselves.”

While some rescue teams left quickly due to the challenges, the Vietnamese team used their creativity and flexibility to find effective solutions. The determination and selflessness of the Vietnamese soldiers led to a miracle. They rescued 26-year-old Htet Maung Maung, who had been trapped under the rubble for a week in Nay Pyi Taw.

Senior Lieutenant Dao Van Long from the Engineer Corps used his hands and basic tools to dig through the hard soil and rocks in the landslide area to create a path to the victim. When his hand touched the victim's still-warm hand, it not only helped calm the victim but also gave hope to the rescue team.

"When I reached the victim, the ground was still very hard. I used my hands to clear the debris, then used a chisel to carefully get closer. I managed to make a small hole and touched the victim's hand, which was still warm... and we successfully rescued him," said Long.

(Photo:qdnd.vn)

Acknowledging the Vietnamese forces’ efforts, Major General Myat Thu, Director of the Fire Services Department under the Myanmar Ministry of Home Affairs, said, "We are very grateful. The spirit of the Vietnamese rescue team is amazing. Many countries came here but left, but the Vietnamese stayed and did everything they could to help us."

The Vietnamese delegation delivered tons of dry food and medical supplies, provided free medical exams and treatment for hundreds of locals, set up temporary shelters for those who lost their homes, and gave financial support to families of victims.

The Vietnamese military personnel were warmly welcomed by local people who offered them water and heartfelt thanks.

"We’ve just experienced an earthquake, but in the past few days, we’ve felt the care and support from the Vietnamese rescue team. They brought us medicine and food," said  a local.

The search, rescue, and humanitarian efforts of the Vietnam People's Army not only strengthen solidarity with Myanmar but also highlight the Vietnamese military’s role and ability in rescue operations, spreading a spirit of international solidarity.