Vietnamese Village Leader Saves 90 Lives in Deadly Landslide Evacuation
A village head in northern Vietnam has been recognised for his quick actions during a deadly landslide. Mùa A Thi led an urgent evacuation in the early hours of August 1, 2025, saving over 90 lives. His efforts have since earned him national honours and a nomination for a prestigious youth award. At 3am on August 1, 2025, torrential rain triggered landslides in Háng Pu Xi Village, Điện Biên province. Thi, the village head, immediately contacted households in high-risk areas and ordered an evacuation. With the help of the local Party cell secretary and militia members, he guided residents to safer ground within 30 minutes. The swift response protected 90 people from 21 households.
Thi's actions did not go unnoticed. On August 13, he met Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính at a national conference in Hà Nội. There, he received the First-Class Labour Order, one of the country's highest honours. His work also led to a nomination for the 2025 Outstanding Young Faces Award in the social activities category. Beyond emergency response, Thi remains active in daily village life. He assists with farming, repairs homes, and promotes community unity. He also encourages villagers to monitor weather forecasts and prepare for early evacuations. Looking ahead, he hopes to inspire young people in his village to seek opportunities in larger cities.
Thi's leadership during the landslide prevented loss of life and brought national recognition. His ongoing efforts in farming, home repairs, and disaster preparedness continue to support his community. The awards highlight his dedication to both emergency response and long-term village development.
