Troops from Military Region 5 erected six field tents in Hoa Thinh Commune, Dak Lak, to provide temporary shelter for households whose homes were destroyed by recent historic floods.
Authorities in Hoa Thinh say the floods claimed 25 lives and damaged or destroyed over 200 houses, causing total losses estimated at VND 610 billion (USD 24.8 million). In Phu Huu Village, many houses had been swept away.
Floodwaters in parts of Hoa Thinh rose above four metres, washing away roofs and submerging belongings. “I’m 76 and have never seen flooding like this,” said resident Le Thi Yen, recalling that the historic floodwaters in 1993 reached only about a metre.
More than 200 officers and soldiers from the military were deployed to clear debris, clean up homes and begin rebuilding so residents can stabilise their lives.
Le Thi Hien, 43, said soldiers arrived soon after her home collapsed and helped set up tents and cooking areas. “Without the army, we wouldn’t know how to manage. We are deeply grateful,” she said.
While new houses are being built, the troops installed military-standard tents as temporary accommodation.
Each 40-square-metre tent has a metal frame, military-grade tarpaulin and bamboo-reinforced roofing. The space is arranged with beds, tables, chairs and storage for food and essential supplies.
Inside the temporary kitchens, soldiers helped families build bamboo tables to keep food and drinks off the damp ground.
They also collected flood-swept timber and cleared it to make space for rebuilding new houses.
Three flood-resistant house designs have been introduced, with families free to choose a model, built with support from the military and local authorities.
Lieutenant Colonel Vu Quoc Toan, deputy political chief of Infantry Division 315, said the division will rebuild homes for six families whose houses were totally destroyed, aiming to complete all six before Lunar New Year so residents have a safe place to celebrate.
