Seven township officials in the quake-hit areas of Sichuan Province have been removed from their posts for failing to complete their disaster relief work assigned by the county's Party committee.

Gao Yonghong, head of the organization department under the Party committee, told the Global Times Thursday that removal notices have been sent to the officials, adding that the committee will help them get psychological counseling.

Yang Chengyi, deputy head of Qingren township in Lushan county, was sacked on Tuesday for failing to show up and oversee the distribution of crucial disaster relief supplies.

An inspection team sent by the county discovered Yang failed to direct relief efforts, which had become chaotic during his absence.

Yang explained later that he was busy overseeing another distribution team that needed his attention.