Mong village chief saves 115 people from flood thanks to bold decision
Báo Thanh niên•17/10/2024
Faced with the risk of landslides due to prolonged heavy rain, the Mong village chief made a bold but very effective decision.
"The Chay River water rose high and was muddy. Cracks appeared on the hill. We had no other choice," Ma Seo Chu (33 years old), Head of Kho Vang Village, Coc Lau Commune, Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province, recalled the moment he had to make a life-or-death decision on September 9.
Timely decision of the village chief
Born and raised in the mountainous region of Lao Cai, Mr. Chu clearly understands the dangers of natural disasters. Previously, the commune had sent many warning documents and messages via Zalo. When he personally inspected with a group of young people in the village, he discovered a worrying crack on the hill just 100 meters from the village. The crack was 20 cm wide and 30 m long.
The prolonged heavy rain caused the crack on the hill to widen. Unable to contact the commune authorities, Mr. Chu decided to evacuate all the villagers. PHOTO: NVCC
The situation became even more critical when the phone signal was lost, making it impossible to contact the commune authorities. Faced with the risk of a landslide that could happen at any time, the young village chief decided to evacuate all 17 households with 115 people to a high mountain area 1 km away. "Not everyone agreed immediately. But when explaining the risk of a landslide, people understood and listened," Mr. Chu shared. At that time, it was still raining, people only had time to bring blankets and rice. Not only mobilizing people to evacuate, Mr. Chu also directly led a group of young people to prepare temporary accommodation. They cut bamboo, built 14 huts, made beds and stretched tarpaulins to welcome the people. A temporary "village" was established in just a few hours. Life in the shelter was full of hardship. Without electricity or water, people had to light lamps with bamboo tubes filled with oil. The next morning, Mr. Chu and the young men had to cross the forest and stream to the village to bring water, necessities and household items to the people.
People in Kho Vang village light oil lamps from bamboo tubes, together overcoming difficult moments on the mountain top. PHOTO: NVCC
It was not until the morning of September 11, after passing 15 km of landslides, that the authorities were able to reach the evacuation area. "They were happy to see us safe. After two days of no contact, everyone was worried that the whole village had been swept away by the flood. These were the most unforgettable days of my life and the lives of the villagers. No matter how difficult it was, we had to overcome it, as long as we could protect the lives of the people," said Ma Seo Chu.
Authorities were surprised and moved to see that 115 people were still safe thanks to Mr. Chu's timely decision . PHOTO: NVCC
The devoted village chief
The bold decision to save people from natural disasters is not the first time Mr. Chu has shown his mettle. Five years ago, when he was only 28 years old, Mr. Ma Seo Chu, a young Party member of Kho Vang village Party cell, was elected village chief by the people. Despite his young age, he always strives to learn and is determined to fulfill his responsibilities to make many correct decisions for the benefit of the people.
Since taking on the role of village chief, Mr. Chu has always been devoted to the people. Every decision he makes puts the safety of the people first. After 5 years of working in Kho Vang village, he has become a reliable support for the people. PHOTO: NVCC
His courageous and responsible actions have become an inspirational story in the community. Ma Seo Chu became one of the 20 "Young people with beautiful lives" in 2024. "This is not only my personal honor but also the pride of the village. I hope that my story will encourage young people in the highlands to be confident, dare to think and dare to do for the community."
Village chief Ma Seo Chu becomes one of 20 examples of "Beautiful Youth" in 2024 PHOTO: NVCC
The 2024 "Beautiful Youth" Award is organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union in collaboration with TCP Vietnam Company Limited. The award ceremony will take place in October 2024 in Hanoi.
Comment (0)