Inspection tour: SAC Vice Chairman made inspection tour in Shan State

On March 28, a very severe earthquake and its aftershocks led to damage in Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, and Shan State (North-East), as well as certain areas of the Naypyidaw Council and Bago Region.

The earthquakes caused destruction to roads and buildings, resulting in the loss of life and injuries among the public. Search and rescue operations are currently underway in the affected areas. In this regard, the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, Vice Chairman of State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister Vice Senior General Soe Win, along with senior military officials and other concerned officials, visited the affected areas in Shan State (South), particularly in the towns of Aungban and Nyaungshwe, on M arch 31 to assess the damage and provide words of encouragement to those affected.

Initially, the Deputy Prime Minister and officials arrived in Aungban Township, where they inspected the conditions of damaged buildings and ongoing rescue operations utilizing heavy machinery. They also received reports from a member of Myanmar Engineering Council and rescue teams on what further assistance would be needed.

Additionally, they continued to assess the condition of the three-story Sasana Hitakari monastic building in Aung Ban Township that was affected by the earthquake, along with the structural integrity of the Pitaka Gonyi building and other religious buildings, and coordinated with relevant officials to address any necessary actions.

Furthermore, they visited the Tatmadaw hospital in Aungban Township to check on the condition of 28 injured civilians receiving treatment due to the earthquake, offering words of encouragement and providing food supplies. Afterward, the Deputy Prime Minister and party traveled to the Inle area via helicopter and boat to examine the extent of damage caused by the earthquake.

They addressed plans of providing basic food stuff and clean drinking water and the distribution of assistance provided by international community and emphasized the need for local community engagement in the rebuilding efforts, while also addressing other necessary supports based on the feedback from local residents. They subsequently visited the monastery in Zayatgyi village to observe the damage and the efforts by Tatmadawmen, police forces, and firefighters involved in the rescue operations.

The Deputy Prime Minister offered donations of food and funds for the monks at the monastery. Later, they arrived at the Inle Phaungdaw-Oo pagoda, where they made offerings of flowers, fresh water, and gold leaf and presented additional donations to the presiding Sayadaw. They continued to assess the damage to temples and other religious structures caused by the earthquake, urging prompt action for repairs and guiding responsible officials regarding necessary measures.

Next, they traveled to the Nanpan region and the Nanpan-Inle People's Hospital in Nanpan Town of Nyaungshwe Township to check on the health conditions of the 18 injured civilians, providing encouragement and financial assistance while coordinating with relevant officials for necessary actions.

Afterward, the Deputy Prime Minister and party met with various state-level disaster response groups in the East Command guesthouse, discussing the damage and future plans for assistance. Participants shared plans for temporary shelters, access to fresh water and electricity, and the rapid repair of schools and hospitals, as well as ensuring the safety of tourists at hotels. The Deputy Prime Minister was reported to have coordinated necessary efforts and addressed needs based on these discussions.