Funeral held for 22 landslide victims in central Vietnam
VOV.VN - Thousands of people on October 22 paid tribute to 22 military officers and soldiers who died in a landslide in Quang Tri province, central Vietnam, several days ago.
The funeral was solemnly held at the Quang Tri provincial sport complex according to military rituals. After the memorial service held the same day, the bodies of the soldiers were transferred to their localities to be buried according to family wishes.
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, alongside a number of ministers and top military leaders, offered incense and extended condolences to the bereaved.
Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan sent wreaths to pay homage to the dead victims.
The 22 officers and soldiers were sleeping in a military camp in Cop village, Huong Hoa district when a landslide occurred at more than 01.00am October 18. They had completed a mission to help evacuate local people from flood-hit areas to a higher ground.
State President Nguyen Phu Trong on October 20 signed a decision to posthumously honour the 22 officers and soldiers with the National Defence Order in recognition of their sacrifice while joining in the natural disaster prevention work.
The central region of Vietnam has been devastated by two subsequent storms that caused prolonged heavy rain, flashfloods and landslides. The natural disasters have left more than 100 dead and dozens missing.