RIMES Ministerial Conference: Myanmar delegation attends the conference in Colombo

Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications U Aung Kyaw Tun attended the 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 8th May, along with the Director General of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.

The opening ceremony of the conference was graced by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. During the conferene, the Deputy Minister discussed the impact of Cyclone Nargis and Cyclone Mocha on Myanmar, flooding incidents, conditions of the earthquake and tsunami.

He also explained the recent extremely powerful Mandalay earthquake in Myanmar which caused extensive damage and loss of lives. On behalf of the country and people, he expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka and other countries around the world for sending search and rescue teams, medical teams, and relief supplies. He also discussed the support of RIMES for technical and equipment to improve early warning systems in Myanmar, increasing incidence of extreme weather events due to climate change, and the impact on developed countries, providing technology and funding to small island developing countries and developing countries.

He added that Myanmar will also work together with the participating countries to develop disaster reduction and comprehensive early warning systems. The meeting was attended by Ministers and deputy Ministers from 61 countries, and representatives from the UN Agencies and international organizations. It is reported that the 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference is being held from May 7 to 9.