Disaster Risk Reduction : “Fighting Inequality for A Resilient Future”

A ceremony to commemorate the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Taunggyi on the 18th of October with the attendance of the Shan State Chief Minister U Aung Zaw Aye.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stressed that the theme for the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is “Fighting Inequality for A Resilient Future” aiming to reduce the inequalities by transforming the weaknesses to strengths with the cooperative efforts for the effective disaster responses.

As Shan State is a plateau, the risk to encounter natural disasters is high and disaster preparedness must be carried out continuously. From January 2023 to date, there were a total of 181 natural disasters in Shan State which affected 9,322 people and damaged 1,782 households.

It’s reported that there were 2,255 natural disasters in Shan State since 2016 and the government provided relief aid and fund worth over 3,768.98 million kyats. Therefore, disaster risk reduction tasks must be carried out continuously to reduce losses, he urged.

This ceremony continued with screening a video message of the United Nations Secretary General. Then, a stage performance and a video clip featuring MOCHA response activities were screened. Then, the Chief Minister, State Advocate General, Commander of Eastern Command, state ministers and concerned officials oversaw the disaster risk reduction exhibitions.