Unloading relief aid from helicopter to floot-hit Nguyên Bình District, Cao Bằng Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A helicopter of Regiment 916 of the Air Defence-Air Force Service's Air Division 371 took off at Hoà Lạc Airport in Hà Nội on Thursday to carry out rescue missions and transport essential supplies to flood-affected areas in Nguyễn Bình District, of the northern mountainous province of Cao Bằng.

The Mi-171 helicopter arrived at Gia Lâm Airport to be loaded with relief supplies before heading to Cao Bằng. The relief goods and essential supplies will be handed over to local military forces for distributing to local people.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Hà Xuân Ngọc, chief navigator of the Helicopter Regiment 916, the unit is scheduled to operate 3 to 4 relief flights to Cao Bằng on the day, with each transporting about 2 tonnes of relief goods, including drinking water, dry food, milk, and instant noodles.

In addition to transporting relief supplies, the helicopter's crew are prepared to deliver emergency services in case they encounter people in distress needing assistance.

The same day, a helicopter operated by the Northern Helicopter Company from the Ministry of National Defence's Brigade 18 also left Gia Lâm Airport, carrying relief goods to flood-affected areas in Nguyễn Bình District.

Previously, on September 11, a helicopter of the company also transported relief goods to Cao Bằng. — VNS

Military officers bringing aid packages to the helicopter at Gia Lâm Airport, Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo