International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 was observed at MICC-1 in Nay Pyi Taw on 13 October, attended by Chairman of National Disaster Management Committee Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, vice chairs of the management committee and member union ministers, senior military officers, deputy ministers, chairs of organizations and associations, heads of department, officials, officials of UN and local and foreign NGOs and prize-winner students and invited guests.
Expert from the addressed by the Chairman of National Disaster Management Committee Vice Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win:
- Typhoon Yagi caused record-breaking rainfall, leading to severe flooding in Myanmar’s central region, the likes of which had not been experienced in over 80 or even 100 years.
- The intense rainfall resulted in flash floods, with water flowing rapidly and carrying along trees, logs, boulders, and sediment, causing widespread flooding in nine states and regions.
- Over 80,000 households, nearly 1 million people, were affected by the floods, with 520 reported dead or missing. Additionally, more than 180,000 livestock perished, over 700,000 acres of crops were damaged, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, electricity, and communications systems were significantly affected.
- The government, along with the public, quickly mobilized search, rescue, emergency response, and relief efforts.
- International and domestic donors from friendly nations also contributed generously to the relief and recovery efforts. Donations from individuals, organizations, and associations have poured in, amounting to over Ks-52 billion in three major national fundraising drives.
- For the families of those who lost their lives, the cash assistance has provided support, including an average of Ks-1 million per person to affected families. For homes that were damaged or destroyed, assistance will also be provided based on the extent of the damage, and preparations are being made to deliver this support soon.
- Additionally, under the instruction of the head of state, responsible officials are overseeing the restoration of roads and bridges, ensuring that transportation routes are reopened as quickly as possible.
- Reducing the impact of natural disasters requires financial and human resources in certain sectors, while in others, it is possible to use the resources already available effectively. One invaluable resource that cannot be quantified is Myanmar’s strong and capable youth population.
- The Vice-Senior General urged the public to cooperate in the efforts to effectively reduce disaster risks and to build a disaster-resistant, peaceful, sustainably developed and better future by enhancing the capacities of new generations.
Then, Vice Chairman (2) of the National Disaster Management Committee Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr. Soe Win reported to the Vice-Senior General on measures taken for natural disaster management. Afterward, the Vice-Senior General presented honorary medals, certificates and cash rewards to winners of the professional level article competition commemorating the International Day for Disaster Reduction (2024).
Afterward, the Vice-Senior General posed for documentary photographs with attendees and viewed the photo exhibition commemorating the International Day for Disaster Reduction, it is reported.
Source: MWD (14-10-2024)
- Over 80,000 households, nearly 1 million people, were affected by the floods, with 520 reported dead or missing. Additionally, more than 180,000 livestock perished, over 700,000 acres of crops were damaged, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, electricity, and communications systems were significantly affected.
- International and domestic donors from friendly nations also contributed generously to the relief and recovery efforts. Donations from individuals, organizations, and associations have poured in, amounting to over Ks-52 billion in three major national fundraising drives.
- For the families of those who lost their lives, the cash assistance has provided support, including an average of Ks-1 million per person to affected families. For homes that were damaged or destroyed, assistance will also be provided based on the extent of the damage, and preparations are being made to deliver this support soon.
- Additionally, under the instruction of the head of state, responsible officials are overseeing the restoration of roads and bridges, ensuring that transportation routes are reopened as quickly as possible.