On 28/11/2024, a video of Pham Van Long, the village head of My Phu 1, O Loan commune, coordinating the distribution of relief supplies after a historic flood in the South Central Coast, quickly went viral on social media. The video showed Long, with his trousers rolled above his knees and barefoot, managing the distribution.

In the clip, Long, without any list, identified individuals by face and accurately stated their names, situations, and specific needs for aid. Examples included: "Mrs. Bay's household, living alone, walls collapsed," and "Mr. Tuan's household, 4 members, shrimp pond washed away."

Hundreds of residents waited in an orderly queue, with no pushing or shoving. When Long noticed a few masked and hooded strangers attempting to join the line, he politely asked them to step aside, ensuring the aid went to local villagers.

Nguyen Van Thi, a member of the charity group from Quy Nhon Nam ward, Gia Lai province, confirmed that his group filmed the video. On that day, the group brought 300 relief packages, but the village had 800 households. Concerned about potential unfairness, they sought Long's assistance. The entire charity group was astonished to witness the village head recall everyone, from newborns to recently deceased elders. "I have traveled widely, but I have never encountered anyone with such an impressive memory," Thi stated.

Long explained that the "superhuman memory" praised by the online community is the result of 15 years of dedicated community service. He described it as "eating the village's rice and carrying the communal bell" – a Vietnamese idiom meaning selfless public service. He visits every alley and knocks on every door daily. Memorizing the demographics and economic situations of 800 households, comprising 3,000 residents, including temporary residents, is a self-imposed discipline.

Born in My Phu 1, Long joined the army in 2005. After his discharge and graduating from Da Nang University of Economics, he returned to his hometown to work as a police officer before being elected village head in 2010.

Pham Van Long, 42, village head of My Phu 1, O Loan commune, Dak Lak province, walks barefoot, calling out residents' names to receive gifts from a charity group on 28/11/2024. Photo: Thi Tourguide

Beyond remembering the names of 3,000 villagers, Long's capabilities were evident during the historic flood in mid-november 2024. Utilizing a self-drawn defense map from his time as a police officer, which detailed low-lying areas and vulnerable homes, Long activated evacuation plans immediately upon receiving an alert. Cattle were moved to the mountains, and the elderly and children were taken to secure locations. As a result, despite My Phu 1 being isolated for many days, there were no human casualties in the entire village. This organized evacuation also helped alleviate the burden on higher authorities during peak floodwaters.

During the days when water levels reached chest height, Long navigated a boat to deliver food and water to each household. Once the water receded, he oversaw the transparent reception and distribution of relief supplies, prioritizing those with severe damage. "Distributing aid is not just about providing material goods; it's also about preserving the dignity of our people," he remarked.

village head Pham Van Long regularly visits households in the village, offering encouragement and understanding their aspirations. Photo: Provided by character

Despite his efforts, Long's family was among the most severely affected by the recent flood. The floodwaters swept away his entire shrimp, crab, and rabbitfish ponds, resulting in losses exceeding 400 million dong. After the flood receded, the 42-year-old village head continued to wade through mud daily, helping residents clean up. "Lost assets can be rebuilt, but the bonds of community and the responsibilities I have undertaken cannot be neglected," he affirmed.

Quynh Nguyen