Mr. Phan Minh Thang, born in 2004 and residing in Kdang commune, Dak Doa district, Gia Lai, Vietnam, endured an incredible ordeal after being trapped in floodwaters for nine days. On September 25th, he was admitted to the Mang Yang District Medical Center due to exhaustion following his dramatic rescue the previous afternoon. The operation involved personnel from the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department – CHCN, Dak Djrang Commune Police, and Mang Yang District Police.
A Harrowing Experience
Mr. Bui Van Son, Director of Mang Yang District Medical Center, stated that Mr. Thang’s condition has stabilized after treatment, though he continues to suffer from a severe sore throat and painful feet due to prolonged exposure. Mr. Thang recounted surviving by clinging to tree branches and drinking river water, enduring cold and rainy nights without food or a means to call for help.
The Circumstances Leading to His Ordeal
Mr. Thang’s life has been fraught with hardship. Orphaned after his mother’s death and his father’s disappearance, he has lived with his brother-in-law, Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu, for a decade. Recently, he had been working in Mang Yang district, assisting in coffee sales.
On September 16, Mr. Thang failed to return home after work. Concerned, his family initiated a search and contacted the police the following morning. Unknown to them, Mr. Thang had gone to watch fishing activities along the Ayun River and fallen asleep on its mudflats. Rising river levels swept him away, leaving him stranded on a plant in the middle of the river.
Surviving Against the Odds
“I didn’t dare swim to shore because the river was too large and fast,” Mr. Thang explained. Trapped in a desolate area with no phone or nearby people, he relied on sheer determination to survive. For nine days, he battled hunger, cold, and fatigue, holding out hope for rescue.
Community and Police Efforts
The family’s social media pleas and police efforts culminated in Mr. Thang’s rescue. His brother-in-law, Mr. Hieu, expressed immense relief and gratitude upon learning of his safe return. This incredible story is a testament to human resilience and the importance of community in times of crisis.
