Disaster Management: Vice Senior General addresses the committee meeting

On 2nd April, National Disaster Management Committee held its work coordination meeting at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw. 

Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win in his capacity as chairman of the committee attended the meeting and made a speech. First, the Vice Senior General expressed words of gratitude for the generous provision and strenuous efforts of the international rescue and relief teams who provide assistance to ensure effective  rescue measures at the earthquake hit areas.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the international rescue teams, effective and speedy rescue measures are being carried out to save the earthquake victims trapped under rubble with the use of advanced techniques and equipment.

As of 1st April, a total of 1,915 rescue personnel and 714 tons of relief items arrived in Myanmar with a total of 49 flight arrivals. From 28th March to 2nd April, a total of 57 aftershocks of the severe earthquake struck the certain areas in Myanmar. Due to the devastating earthquake and aftershock, staff housings, government offices and buildings were destroyed and damaged severely.

The Vice Senior General emphasized on removal of destroyed and severely damaged buildings and debris, thorough examination of the resilience of remained buildings and systematic renovation and reconstruction of the buildings.

Then, the reports on ongoing rescue and security measures, arrival of rescue teams and relief items, systematic management on the relief items, renovation and reconstruction of the transportation routes and infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted rescue measures, foodstuff and necessities provision for the earthquake victims and cash assistance received from the AHA Center, donors and well-wishers from home and abroad were presented.

Next, clarifications are made on condition of damaged farmlands and dams, current events on the international front, operation of temporary hospitals and clinics, readiness of the Tatmadaw (Air) to ensure uninterrupted rescue and transportation measures, and further rescue and rehabilitation plans.

Upon reports and clarifications, the Vice Senior General stressed on cash assistance provision for the deceased and injured people and their family members, drinking water distribution, electricity access, machinery assistance for the areas in need, systematic and fast delivery of earthquake and aftermath information and systematic management of donated relief items.

After the meeting, the Vice Senior General oversaw the temporary shelters, emergency electrical equipment, commodities, foodstuff and medicine donated by international organizations. Due to devestating earthquake, a total of 3003 were reported killed with 4,515 injured and 351 remained missing within Nay Pyi Taw Council Area as of 6:00 pm on 2nd April.

Moreover, a total of 21,783 houses, 805 office buildings, 115 staff housings, 1,041 schools, 921 monasteries, 1,690 pagodas and temples, 312 religious edificies, 48 hospitals and clinics and 45 acres of paddy and crop plantations in the Nay Pyi Taw Council area were destroyed.