Union Government Meeting: SAC Chairman addresses the meeting in Nay Pyi Taw

The Union Government held its meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday, with an address by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Prior to the meeting, a minute of silence was observed by the attendees for the loss of lives and properties caused by the devastating earthquake.

In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the severity of the March 28th earthquake, and stressed for ensuring systematic engineering works for durability of the building in reconstruction of the infrastructures. He added that the restoration measures will be carried out phase by phase, starting with clearing the debris, followed by restoring the transportation facilities, accommodation arrangements for the affected communities, counselling services for mental and physical sufferings and rehabilitation efforts, as well as agriculture and livestock works for ensuring food sufficiency.

Regarding the upcoming Thingyan Festival, the Prime Minister emphasized to organize a peaceful Thingyan throughout the nation, in line with the traditions. The attendees provided update reports on occurrence of aftershocks, repair works of transportation and communication infrastructures, arrival of international relief aids, accommodation arrangements for offices and staff, implementation of Rapid Assessment measures, procedures for claiming building insurance compensation, compiling a report on the assessment for recent earthquake disaster, broadcasting of earthquake relief measures and awareness programs through the state-owned media.

The attendees also reported on restoration of agriculture and livestock works. supply of drinking water power supply, health care services and distribution of relief items to the quake-hit communities. After the meeting, the Prime Minister and party visited the National Museum to oversee the damages caused by the earthquake.

During the last 100 years, there were 18 strong earthquakes with the magnitudes of 6 and above. In 1912, the magnitude 8 earthquake in Pyin Oo Lwin and it was recorded as the strongest one in Myanmar. The March 28th earthquake is the second most strongest one in the century.

As of April 5th, a total of 3,455 persons were reported death with 4,840 injured and 214 remained mission, along with the reports of various infrastructure damage due to the recent earthquake. The government will provide 1 million kyat for each individual who has been deceased by the earthquake. In addition, provision will be made for damages of buildings.