VietNamNet Bridge - The chair and vice chair of Duc Lac commune in Ha Tinh Province has been suspended for 15 days for failing to fulfill his duty during the recent floods. 

Duc Lac commune's Chairman Nguyen Van Tuan.

Chairman Nguyen Van Tuan of the Duc Lac People’s Committee, allegedly ignored calls for help from victims by turning off his mobile phone when the flooding was at its worst on October 16.

Tuan did not even join the rescuers even when a canoe was sent to his home, according to local residents.

After the floods subsided, Tuan was asked to report on the commune’s losses but he ignored the order. He said he would send the report when the water goes down.

The commune People’s Committee office was also closed during the flood.

Tuan’s deputy, Le Xuan Hoi, was also reprimanded, said Tran Huu Be, Vice Chair of Duc Tho district for irresponsibility during the flood. Hoi may receive a warning.

Rain-triggered floods in central Vietnam from October 16-20 claimed 76 lives and left six still missing.

PV