The National Disaster Management Committee held its coordination meeting at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon, attended by Committee Chairman and Vice-President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Nyo Saw.
In his speech, the Vice-President said that it is necessary to emphasize preparedness measures by remaining alert to region-specific hazards and related disasters that commonly occur during the monsoon season, including storms and river flooding. Everyone needs to constantly observe weather forecasts and early warnings. During the current period, temperatures have been rising in some areas of central Myanmar, and there is also the possibility of El Niño conditions occurring.
Moreover, he added that special attention must be paid to the danger of earthquakes. By systematically carrying out disaster preparedness and preventive measures against natural disasters, it will not only be possible to reduce losses and damage caused by such disasters to a certain extent, but also enable more funds that would otherwise be spent on response and rehabilitation efforts to be utilized for national development processes.
Relevant ministries, as well as regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw, have to undertake sector-wise preparedness measures for various natural disasters. Preparations should be made in all sectors for possible disasters, including plans for the evacuation and relocation of people and animals, temporary shelter arrangements, emergency rescue and relief assistance, security, agriculture and livestock sectors, as well as rehabilitation measures for livelihoods that may be affected.
He underscored that preparations are needed to ensure the structural integrity and maintenance of dams and embankments in respective regions, and to prevent disruptions in the operation of education and healthcare services.
Vice-Chairs of the Management Committee, Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe and Dr Soe Win clarified grouping the social search and rescue squads to immediately respond to natural disasters, making arrangements for disaster shelters and relief camps, setting the fund for operation of relief and post-disaster rehabilitation efforts, raising public awareness for knowledge about natural disasters on a wider scale, and storing relief supplies.
The meeting participants discussed the preparatory process to mitigate loss and damage in disasters and respond to disasters time to time, and efforts for the rehabilitation process in the post-disaster period.
The Vice-President coordinated the necessary measures of reports and discussions and gave concluding remarks.
Also, present at the meeting were Union ministers who take responsibilities of vice-chairs and committee members, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, departmental heads and officials together with chief ministers of regions and states through videoconferencing.
MNA/TTA
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