Climate Change Issue: Vulnerability Reduction Action Plan

A ceremony to inaugurate the “Climate Change Vulnerability Reduction Action Plan” was held at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in the presence of Union Minister Dr. Soe Win on Friday.

In his opening speech, the Union Minister highlighted purposes of the ceremony. Nowadays, the incidence of natural disaster increases due to global warming and climate change. Therefore, the sector-wise preparations are necessary to make in advance to reduce loss and damages caused by natural disasters.

At present, the Ministry is making exerted efforts to open a total of 4 heat shelters in Magway Region and 2 heat shelters in Shan State during this year and plans are underway to open more heat shelters if necessary, he added. Then, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management clarified the current work implemtations of the department on raising public awareness about strong windand thunderstorm preventions, opening heat shelters and providing drinking water.

Then, arrangements to open heat shelters in Magway Region and Shan State were presented by the relevant officials and the Union Minister and Deputy Minister provided necessary instructions. Then, the Union Minister attended ceremonies to provide aid to the households affected by strong winds in Pobbathiri Township and Zeyathiri Township. On 2nd May, strong winds hit the townships within the Union Territory and a total of 180 houses and 2 monasteries in Pobbathiri, Ottarathiri, Zeyathiri and Pyinmana townships were damaged and a total of 725 residents were affected.

At the ceremonies, the Union Minister provided over 11.8 million kyats of cash assistance and relief items and Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman also provided a total of 6.4 million kyats, rice and edible oil to the affected households. Then, the Union Minister and Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman cordially greeted the residents and fulfilled the requirements.