Hanoi mobilizes relief convoy to aid flood-hit Central Highlands

THE HANOI TIMES — In the early hours of November 26, the 301 Infantry Division military base in Hanoi buzzed with urgent activity as dozens of soldiers and volunteers worked tirelessly, loading trucks with rice sacks, boxes of instant noodles, bottled water, clothing and essential supplies.

Every movement was deliberate, each second counted because in the Central Highlands, where floods have devastated communities, speed can make the difference between hardship and survival.

The Capital Command of Hanoi, in close coordination with the city’s Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, had mobilized an emergency relief plan. Vehicles and personnel were ready and relief goods from the people of Hanoi had been gathered with care, creating a spirit of solidarity in the face of natural disaster.

From the early morning, soldiers and staff sorted and packed every item with precision, stacking each box, bag and container in order. “The faster we move, the sooner our fellow citizens will have food, clothing and shelter,” volunteers reminded one another, driven by a shared sense of duty and compassion.

This mission is also a first for many young soldiers, who are experiencing long-distance relief transport for the first time. Despite the novelty, their determination and willingness to serve shone clearly on every face.

By the end of the day, all trucks had been loaded according to strict weight limits, seals applied to each package, vehicles checked for technical readiness and routes carefully mapped. The convoy was scheduled to depart at dawn on November 27, prepared to travel day and night to reach the hardest-hit areas in Gia Lai Province.

Coordinated logistics and committed personnel

To ensure smooth and safe transport, the Hanoi Capital Command mobilized 15 vehicles, including 12 Isuzu 3.5-ton trucks to carry relief goods. A specialized military vehicle was assigned to lead the convoy, and technical, medical and logistics teams were on standby along the route.

A total of 42 officers and soldiers participated in the mission, while dozens more were deployed at collection points to handle receipt, inspection and loading of goods.

Beyond logistics, the Capital Command emphasized strict adherence to responsibility and safety. All personnel were required to comply fully with traffic regulations and maintain military discipline throughout the mission. “This is not only a logistical operation but also a political and social responsibility,” noted officials, underscoring the solidarity and care Hanoi extends to fellow citizens in crisis.

Colonel Vu Dinh Hung, Deputy Chief of Logistics - Technical of the Hanoi Capital Command and head of the convoy, told the Vietnam News Agency that the nearly 1,200-kilometer journey from Hanoi to Gia Lai passes through flood-prone areas, with frequent landslides during the rainy season.

“With careful preparation and a spirit of service to the people, we are confident the mission will succeed. Helping our citizens in disaster-stricken areas alleviates immediate difficulties and demonstrates the enduring humanitarian tradition of Hanoi,” said Hung.

Residents and local groups join the effort

Hanoi’s relief efforts extend far beyond the military. Across the city, community members and volunteers have mobilized to support those affected by the floods.

At 8 AM on November 25, volunteer Cong Thi Ha and over ten members of the Phu Thuong Resident Group meticulously counted, packed and organized essential supplies for shipment to Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

Blankets and warm clothing were folded neatly, while boxes of food, milk and medicines were stacked in preparation for transport.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, other wards, including Kim Lien and Xuan Dinh, saw similar efforts. Local Fatherland Front Committees received donations from residents, schools, businesses and civic organizations. In Phu Thuong alone, nearly VND900 million (US$34,100) in cash and VND320 million ($12,100) worth of essential goods were collected in a single day.

Xuan Dinh Ward mobilized over VND755 million ($28,600) through community meetings, while Kim Lien raised more than VND1 billion ($38,000). Contributions came not only in money but also in goods, from food and clothing to medicines and essential daily items.

Many of these efforts began even before official calls for support. Residents and civic groups proactively organized collection points, coordinated logistics and ensured that goods reached affected areas quickly. By November 24, five trucks carrying rice, instant noodles, water and other essential items had already departed for flood-stricken provinces.

Long-term support and recovery efforts

Following directives from the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee, the city allocated VND50 billion ($1.9 million) for urgent assistance to Gia Lai and an additional VND200 billion ($7.6 million) for the construction of resettlement areas and repair of damaged transport infrastructure.

In parallel, Hanoi contributed VND10 billion ($380,000) from its Relief Fund to Central Vietnam disaster relief efforts and delivered an additional VND30 billion ($1.1 million) on November 24 to Dak Lak, Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa, with VND10 billion for each province. These funds are aimed at helping residents rebuild homes, restore infrastructure, resume production and stabilize their livelihoods.

From the coordinated military convoy to the tireless work of volunteers and local committees, Hanoi’s response reflects a city united in solidarity and empathy. Every truck dispatched, every donation collected and every hand that lifts a box of aid demonstrates a city determined to care for its citizens, especially those facing the harsh realities of natural disasters.