Well-wishers donated K104.44 billion and K12.4 billion worth of donated items, totalling K116.84 billion for rescue and rehabilitation in quake-affected areas.
A CEREMONY to donate cash to be spent on relief and rehabilitation measures in the earthquake-affected areas took place at Tabaung ground in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon, attended by State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who accepted cash donations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that it is necessary to take lessons from the past incidents of powerful earthquakes. With regard to the impacts of the earthquake, he continued that he immediately released an item of information about the earthquake. The information comprised the fact that as it would take a long time to carry out rescue and rehabilitation operations, it is necessary to seek foreign aid.
In a few hours after the earthquake struck, international rescue teams including the rescue squad from China arrived in Myanmar, bringing along with aid and supplies. They conduct rescue operations in the affected areas shortly. So, he expressed his thanks to these rescue teams for their efforts and the international community for providing relief aid. Likewise, the Senior General added that he made telephone contacts with the Indian Prime Minister, the ASEAN Alternate Chair Malaysian Prime Minister and the Pakistani Prime Minister to provide aid for Myanmar. Moreover, Heads of State and government from Cambodia, Brunei and Nicaragua including President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping sent messages of condolences and empathy to
him with necessary aid.
The government has allocated K500 billion and has already begun relief and rescue operations. Regarding infrastructure, it has been found that some buildings were constructed without considering potential earthquake damage, which contributed to the unfortunate loss of lives, injuries, and missing persons in this recent natural disaster. As of 8 am on 1 April, according to collected data, the earthquake has resulted in 2,719 deaths, 4,521 injuries, and 441 missing persons. Rescue operations are being carried out with full effort.
During his visit to the earthquake-affected areas for inspection, he underscored that natural disasters such as earthquakes posing significant engineering challenges. From an engineering perspective, it became evident that buildings should be constructed systematically with careful planning.
In areas affected by severe damage and losses, the initial phase will involve clearing debris. In the second phase, efforts will be made to restore transportand communication routes as quickly as possible to their original state. The third phase will focus on the continued removal of hazardous structures that are at risk of collapsing. Through these measures, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts will be carried out. It is necessary to persistently work on rebuilding and restoring roads, bridges, and public infrastructure that were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake.
Then, at 12:51:02 pm, as part of a nationwide commemoration of the National Day of Mourning, the Senior General, along with council members, donors, philanthropists, and attendees, observed a moment of silence for one minute, paying tribute in unison with the people across the country.
The Senior General continued his speech, saying that regarding buildings, it is necessary to take action for the buildings that have been insured through certain insurance companies, including the payment of insurance premiums and the process of obtaining permission to demolish the buildings. The government will assist as much as possible in these efforts. Furthermore, for private construction projects, the government will also provide as much support as possible.
It is necessary to maintain stability and peace to carry out similar reconstruction activities. Only with stability and peace can further economic development be achieved. However, armed terrorists have been engaging in actions such as disrupting the power supply and other destructive activities. Due to the threat of natural disasters, armed groups have announced a ceasefire for two weeks. Tatmadaw has not launched any attacks on the camps of ethnic armed groups but has only responded when attacked. The government has continuously kept the door open to meet and discuss with all ethnic armed organizations to make effective peace efforts. All ethnic people should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of peace and development, and it is necessary to engage in honest and open discussions. Armed groups must go through the peace processes. As terrorists have chosen to resolve politically driven issues through violence, the government will continue with the plans laid down. Some ethnic armed organizations are not currently engaged in combat but are organizing and training for future attacks. Tatmadaw is aware of this and, as their actions are still considered attacks, the Tatmadaw will continue to take necessary security measures.
Then, the Senior General expressed thanks to all well-wishers, ministries and organizations for their contributions to rescue, relief and resettlement operations in the quake-affected areas.
The Senior General presented certificates of appreciation to well-wishers who donated cash.
Chairman of National Disaster Management Committee SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Members General Mya Tun Oo, Admiral Tin Aung San, General Nyo Saw, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, U Wunna Maung Lwin, General Maung Maung Aye, Porel Aung Thein, Mahn Nyein Maung, Dr Hmuh Thang, Dr Ba Shwe, Khun San Lwin, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung accepted cash donations and presented certificates of appreciation.
After the ceremony, the Senior General gave a tea party to those well-wishers. At the ceremony, well-wishers donated K104.44 billion and K12.4 billion worth of donated items, totalling K116.84 billion. — MNA/TTA
