01 June
People wearing face masks and following social distancing and health guidelines at markets and restaurants these days have indicated that disaster preparedness was on their mind.
That's a good thing.
While some may think that panic over the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) could be an overreaction, it's never a bad idea to keep at least a couple weeks of nonperishable supplies on hand for any emergency.
Consider it a civic duty.
Natural disasters from floods to landslides to earthquakes happen somewhere on a regular basis in the world.
It's a beautiful, but tough world we live in. Everyone needs to do their part to be as ready as possible to respond to a disaster.
Myanmar is susceptible to earthquakes because it has five major fault lines. The active fault lines make it one of the more earthquake-prone countries.
The Sagaing fault was last active in 2011, and the other four are the Kabaw fault in the West, the Kyaukkyan fault in northern Shan State, the Thanlwin fault under the Thanlwin River and the Rakhine fault in Rakhine State.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Rettlement conducted the earthquake awarness in the towns on the fault lines and also publish the earthquake preparedness guidelines through the media in efforts to increase public awareness of an earthquake.
Earthquakes being unpredictable forces of nature, can strike anytime without any warning.
Therefore, people living along the fault line should take these warnings seriously and make necessary preparations like making their homes disaster ready and family members have the necessary information on how to respond when earthquakes strike.
Considering disaster preparedness a civic duty, people should imagine a full list of what their family might need during a disaster likes earthquake and should follow the guidelines advised by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. Or, they should make a hotline contact list of the authorities.
At the same time, earthquake awareness including disaster drills should be conducted on a regular basis especially in the quake-prone areas in efforts to educate the public on what to do during and after earthquake.
Preparedness is the key to managing any more such disasters.
