Coordination Meeting: Rescue operation and rehabilitation measures discussed

A coordination meeting on embankment repair, relief and rescue operations, and rehabilitation efforts following flooding caused by the breach of the Ngawun embankment and overflowing water in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyawady Region, was held in Pathein on Wednesday.

Vice President U Nyo Saw attended the meeting and made a speech, outlining the plans for disaster reduction and recovering efforts. He praised the rapid response measures by the Tatmadaw, departmental personnel, volunteers and local residents following the embankment breach, helping prevent any casualties.

He instructed officials to inspect the condition of embankments along the Ayeyawady and Ngawun rivers, establish systematic water monitoring teams, and set up a notification system to inform the public in case of unusual situations. He stressed the need to construct low embankments along river channels to help prevent flooding and support river water management projects.

He urged relevant departments to restore roads, bridges, electricity supply, communication systems, schools, hospitals, and drinking water facilities damaged by flooding. He also called for plans to help farmers replant paddy in flooded agricultural areas or grow alternative crops.

He pledged to provide seeds, agricultural inputs, assistance, and technical guidance through coordination between relevant ministries and the regional government. As it is the school opening season, he instructed authorities to assist in reopening schools as soon as possible after floodwaters recede.

He also emphasized the need to implement both short-term and long-term measures to strengthen and maintain the stability of embankments and riverbanks. The Vice President urged all to work together for the rehabilitation of flood-affected communities. Ayeyawady Region Chief Minister U Aye Kyaw later briefed the meeting on the flooding situation, rescue and relief activities, reopening of schools and health facilities, transportation, and ongoing rehabilitation plans.

Deputy ministers and officials also reported on flood impacts, emergency repairs, relief operations, recovery efforts, and measures to prevent saltwater intrusion into agricultural lands. After reviewing the reports, Vice President U Nyo Saw coordinated the needs and gave instructions.