The Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council, Chairman of the National Natural Disaster Management Committee, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win met the flood victims due to the heavy rains starting from 20 May in Mawlamyine, Chaungzon, Thanbyuzayat, Thaton and Paung townships, officials of the Mon State Disaster Management bodies and department officials in Mawlamyine on 22 May. While addressing the meeting, the Vice-Senior General said the following points:
- The problems that arose in the depression that occurred on 20 May could be solved within 24 hours thanks to the correct management of the state government, a good rehearsal and public cooperation.
- As per the guidance of the Prime Minister of the State, he came there to witness the management of the state government over the natural disaster, attend to the needs and encourage the flood victims.
- Prior warning for cyclone was released with five-colour coding scheme to make it easier to understand the danger of cyclone.
- To tackle the impact of natural disaster, the National Natural Disaster Management Committee, and regional and state Natural Disaster Management Committees have been formed.
- Plans are being drawn up based on the experiences of natural disasters in Myanmar such as Cyclone Nargis, Cyclone Giri and Tahley Earthquake, the river floodings of Myittha river and Nayyinzaya river in Kalay and Kalaywa towns as well as regional fire, flood and storm disasters.
- As natural disasters are unavoidable and should be prepared in advance, it can be overcome by preparation, rehearsing and cooperating if it happens. He also highlighted the need to prepare for consequent impacts in the aftermath of natural disaster.
- Cooperation between management committees, the public, supporting groups and charities is the best way that will help overcome the impacts of natural disasters which cannot be prevented and predicted.
Afterwards, the Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council, Chairman of the National Natural Disaster Management Committee provided rice, construction materials, cash assistance, and relief supplies to the flood victims through officials. It is reported that relief aid and cash assistance provided to victims of natural disaster in Mon state are worth over MMK 40 million in total.
The Vice-Senior General expressed words of consolation when greeting the victims. He was briefed by the officials while he was inspecting the preparation of rescue equipment including vehicles and machinery.
Afterwards, the Vice-Senior General and party inspected the status of the works carried out and in progress at the confluence of the Haungtharaw and Attaran rivers to prevent flood at the Phetkhin road and Taungwaing road in Mawlamyine town and provided necessary coordination.
- The problems that arose in the depression that occurred on 20 May could be solved within 24 hours thanks to the correct management of the state government, a good rehearsal and public cooperation.
- To tackle the impact of natural disaster, the National Natural Disaster Management Committee, and regional and state Natural Disaster Management Committees have been formed.
- Cooperation between management committees, the public, supporting groups and charities is the best way that will help overcome the impacts of natural disasters which cannot be prevented and predicted.
- Relief aid and cash assistance provided to victims of natural disaster in Mon state are worth over MMK 40 million in total.