Unilever.edu.vn wants to keep you updated on the most pressing news stories emerging from Vietnam. From public health concerns to natural disasters and legal proceedings, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the key events shaping the nation’s narrative.
Food Poisoning Incident at Kien Giang School Prompts Investigation
The suspected food poisoning case at Kien Hai Secondary and High School in Kien Giang province, which led to the hospitalization of 23 students, has sparked public concern. On September 25, 2024, the Food Safety Department issued an official dispatch to the Kien Giang Department of Health, urging a thorough investigation into the cause.
The Food Safety Department has requested that the Kien Giang Department of Health prioritize the treatment of the affected students, ensuring their well-being and taking necessary measures to safeguard their health. If required, consultations from higher-level hospitals should be sought. Additionally, the department has recommended a comprehensive investigation to pinpoint the cause of the suspected poisoning, trace the source of the food, and collect samples for testing.
As a precautionary measure, the unit responsible for providing meals has been temporarily suspended from operating. Authorities have also been tasked with identifying and strictly addressing any violations of food safety regulations.
Students in a school cafeteria
Furthermore, there’s a call for increased public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about food safety knowledge and preventive measures against poisoning. The goal is to raise awareness, promote behavioral changes, and discourage unsafe practices in food selection and consumption, especially avoiding food from unknown sources.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident began on the afternoon of September 23, 2024, when numerous students suddenly exhibited symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
Traffic Accidents Across Vietnam Raise Safety Concerns
A series of unfortunate traffic accidents have been reported across Vietnam, prompting authorities to investigate and emphasize road safety.
In Quang Binh province, a serious traffic accident on Ho Chi Minh Road resulted in the death of a border guard officer. The incident occurred on September 26, 2024, at approximately 7:15 am when a motorcyclist collided with a truck. The authorities are actively investigating the incident to determine the cause.
In Binh Duong province, a traffic accident on My Phuoc – Tan Van Road left two individuals severely injured. The incident involved a motorcycle and a container truck, and investigations are underway to determine the sequence of events and the parties involved.
A motorcyclist wearing a helmet
In Ho Chi Minh City, a tractor-trailer crashed into multiple road dividers and nearly collided with a fish tank shop on Nguyen Thi Thap Street. The incident caused significant damage to the dividers and the vehicle, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
These accidents highlight the importance of road safety awareness and responsible driving.
Typhoon Season Leaves Trail of Destruction and Recovery Efforts
Typhoon season continues to impact various provinces in Vietnam, causing significant damage and prompting extensive recovery efforts.
The General Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported extensive damage caused by Typhoon No. 4 and subsequent floods. The affected provinces include Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Nam.
As of September 26, 2024, the typhoon and floods have resulted in three fatalities due to drowning. Damage to houses includes 10 collapsed houses in Nghe An, 373 damaged and unroofed houses in Thanh Hoa, 219 in Nghe An, 97 in Ha Tinh, 28 in Thua Thien Hue, and 12 in Quang Nam. The agricultural sector has also been severely affected, with over 7,500 hectares of rice, crops, and other plants damaged in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.
Aftermath of a typhoon
The aquaculture industry has suffered significant losses, with over 2,377 hectares of aquaculture farms damaged, including over 1,900 hectares in Nghe An, 394 hectares in Thanh Hoa, and 41.5 hectares in Ha Tinh. In addition to human casualties and damage to residential and agricultural areas, the typhoon and floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, schools, and irrigation systems.
To mitigate the impact of the typhoon and floods, local authorities have been actively involved in relief efforts, including evacuating residents to safer areas and providing support to those affected.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations Dominate Headlines
Several legal proceedings and investigations have captured the nation’s attention, shedding light on issues ranging from financial misconduct to student safety.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the People’s Court is currently hearing the trial of Truong My Lan and her accomplices on three charges related to financial misconduct. During the trial, Ms. Lan admitted that the funds transferred abroad and back to Vietnam belonged to her and were not related to the Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB). She also denied any involvement in fraudulent or forged contracts, stating that she was only aware that she would receive funds when needed but was not familiar with the specific procedures.
A courtroom with a judge's bench
In a separate incident, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department is investigating four teenagers for reckless driving, specifically performing stunts on Pham Van Dong Street. The teenagers, who were found to be underage and mostly without stable residences, have admitted to their violations. The authorities are continuing their investigation and will propose appropriate actions based on the findings.
In Quang Nam province, an incident involving a parent assaulting students in a classroom has sparked public debate. The incident occurred after a student was allegedly assaulted by two classmates following a school football match. The student’s father, upset over the incident, entered the classroom and physically confronted the alleged assailants.
Labor Disputes Raise Concerns About Worker Rights
Labor disputes continue to emerge, with workers facing unpaid wages and missing insurance contributions.
In Binh Phuoc province, the trade union is providing legal support to workers who have been denied wages and insurance benefits due to the disappearance of a foreign business owner. Over 300 workers at Signature Home Furnishing, a foreign-invested enterprise, are experiencing financial hardship as the company owes them 40 days of wages.
Workers protesting outside a factory
The company also owes three months of insurance contributions, despite deducting these amounts from workers’ salaries monthly. The sudden closure of the company and the disappearance of the owner have left the workers struggling to make ends meet and access their rightful benefits.
These labor disputes underscore the need for improved protection of worker rights and better enforcement of labor laws.
