Adonation ceremony was held yesterday afternoon at the City Hall in Pathein to provide financial assistance from well-wishers and donors for relief, rescue and rehabilitation activities in flood-hit areas in Laymyethna Township, Hinthada District, Ayeyawady Region. President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing attended the ceremony and accepted the donations.
In his speech, the President said that the donation ceremony held in Pathein was a meaningful occasion to support flood victims in Laymyethna Township, Hinthada District, Ayeyawady Region, following heavy rainfall.
The heavy rains on the night of 30 July caused water to breach through a sandbar along the Ngawun River embankment in Laymyethna Township, resulting in water overflowing the embankment and inundating five urban wards and 138 villages. More than 9,000 households and over 39,000 people were affected, while 17 relief camps were opened.
He said that since 31 July, the Ayeyawady Region government, relevant Union ministries, residents and volunteers had been working together to reinforce the damaged embankment using timber supports, bamboo fencing, geotextile bags (geobags) and sandbags, while machinery and boats were also being used to control the flow of floodwater The government conducted relief and rescue operations, evacuating affected people to safer locations, providing food and drinking water, delivering healthcare services and taking measures to protect riverbanks from erosion. He stressed that rehabilitation and reconstruction works should take into account not only current disasters but also potential future risks and should be carried out in accordance with appropriate standards to ensure long-term resilience.
He also emphasized the need for greater preparedness for natural disasters, noting that climate change and environmental degradation could continue to pose challenges. He called for systematic planning and analysis to improve water management and reduce the impact of future floods, including the construction of water-control embankments where necessary.
He expressed appreciation for the generosity of Myanmar people, saying that the spirit of sharing and helping those in need remained a commendable tradition. He thanked donors and organizations for their contributions to flood response, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
He said donors at the ceremony had contributed more than K23.324 billion for relief and rehabilitation activities in flood-affected areas of Laymyethna Township. He also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government and flood-stricken people.
The President added that he had inspected floodhit areas of Laymyethna Township by helicopter before attending the ceremony, although adverse weather prevented him from conducting a ground inspection. He stressed the need for systematic disaster preparedness and risk assessment to minimize losses from natural disasters. He also called for effective water management, including the construction of water-control embankments where necessary, to reduce future flooding and improve drainage.
The President also called on businesspeople and the public to contribute to the development of the national economy by expanding their businesses, while the government continued efforts to maintain stability and peace.
At the ceremony, families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), region and state governments, well-wishers, donors and organizations presented cash donations for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in flood-affected areas of Laymyethna Township. The President and relevant officials received the donations and presented certificates of appreciation.
Altogether, more than K23.324 billion in donations was received at the ceremony held at the Pathein City Hall.
MNA/KTZH
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