This morning, Regiment 940 (Division 372) at Phu Cat Airport received orders from the Air Defense - Air Force Service. They prepared Mi-17 helicopters, logistics, equipment, and personnel for takeoff. Regiment 910 (Division 372) and the Air Force Officer School in Phu Yen also prepared for flight.

Mi-17 aircraft preparing for takeoff. Photo: Regiment 940

Bad weather prevented the aircraft from taking off earlier. However, helicopters are expected to reach Dak Lak's deeply flooded areas this afternoon, carrying tons of aid. This aid includes food, provisions, and essential goods such as dry rations, cakes, milk, drinking water, and life jackets.

In parallel, military units are attempting to reach residents by land and water, conducting rescue operations in the flood-stricken areas of former Phu Yen province, particularly Hoa Thinh commune. Hoa Thinh, along with Dong Hoa, was among the first and most deeply flooded communes, remaining isolated for several days. Despite continuous efforts by authorities and rescue teams using canoes to deliver food and evacuate people, the rapidly increasing number of distress calls overwhelmed resources.

Hoa Thinh commune is located downstream of the Ba River basin before it flows into the sea. Graphic: Hoang Thanh

Online rumors of "collapsed buildings and hundreds of deaths" due to floods circulated regarding Hoa Thinh. However, Ta Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee, refuted these claims, stating they were "fake news and untrue."

Le Chi Hoai, Chairman of Hoa Thinh Commune People's Committee, reported this morning that floodwaters had almost entirely receded, with "no residents remaining trapped in the flooded area." Over the past few days, authorities rescued many individuals from deeply submerged areas, evacuating them to the commune headquarters or schools for safety.

Essential goods being loaded onto the aircraft for relief. Photo: Division 372

Beyond military efforts, police, militia, and other rescue teams are navigating the floods into Hoa Thinh commune, Tay Hoa district, in former Phu Yen province, to conduct search and rescue operations. Strong winds, however, prevented flycams and drones from operating, leaving many residents stranded in floodwaters for 4 days.

The floods have claimed 55 lives, with Dak Lak province bearing the brunt of this disaster. The death toll in Dak Lak reached 27, an increase of 10 from yesterday afternoon. Additionally, the floods submerged over 200,000 homes and necessitated the urgent evacuation of more than 18,000 households.

Pham Linh