In a remarkable display of courage and commitment, a medical team in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, successfully delivered a baby while contending with severe flooding. On September 16, at around 5 AM, Dr. Le Thi Gam, head of the Thanh Tan Health Station, received an urgent call about a pregnant woman in labor in the village of Hop Tien.

Accompanied by two midwives, Hoang Thi Hang and Tran Thi Anh, Dr. Gam set out with medical supplies, traveling 11 kilometers with the assistance of local police. Upon reaching the Khe Me stream, they encountered dangerously high and swift floodwaters, rendering traditional rescue methods impractical.

The team of six, which included three medical staff and three police officers, decided to leave their vehicle and traverse a deserted irrigation canal spanning 500 meters above the rushing water. The canal was situated at a significant height, lacking safety rails, and the narrow path was slippery with algae and overgrown vegetation.

"I focused straight ahead, afraid to look down because the current below was fierce. A misstep could cost us our lives," shared midwife Hoang Thi Hang. After 15 minutes of careful maneuvering, they safely reached the pregnant woman, Luong Thi Luong, 21, who had already experienced ruptured membranes and was showing signs of exhaustion.

The medical team advised the family to provide nourishment to the patient to regain her strength while preparing for a manual delivery. At 7:08 AM, a baby girl weighing 2.8 kg was born but was initially in distress, showing signs of respiratory issues due to meconium aspiration.

Dr. Gam quickly initiated resuscitation efforts, clearing the baby's airways. Within five minutes, the infant began to cry, signaling a successful revival. "I finally breathed a sigh of relief knowing that both mother and child were safe," Dr. Gam recounted.

After ensuring that both mother and baby were stable, the medical team faced the daunting return journey. The conditions had worsened, and fatigue set in after the intense delivery. Dr. Gam, who has over 30 years of experience, described this as the most challenging delivery she has ever encountered, stating, "The health of both mother and baby motivated us to brave the raging floodwaters."

Lieutenant Colonel Bui Thanh Trieu, head of the Thanh Ky Police Station, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that transportation was severely disrupted, and the medical and police teams had to wear life jackets while navigating the high canal. The news of the safe delivery brought relief to the support team outside. "We deeply admire the dedication of the female doctors and nurses who were willing to risk their lives to save others," Lieutenant Colonel Trieu remarked.

From September 13 to 17, Thanh Hoa experienced heavy rainfall ranging from 300 to 450 mm, causing rivers like the Buoi, Yen, and Cau Chay to exceed warning levels. Over 340 households were inundated, and many major roads suffered landslides, prompting the government to evacuate more than 1,700 people to safety.