September 26, 2019
A coordination meeting for discussing more effective responses to natural disasters and better cooperation of the relevant ministries and states/regions was held at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
The meeting was taken part by Union Minister for Government Office U Min Thu, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye, Deputy Minister for Education U Win Maw Tun, Deputy Minister for Health and Sports Dr Mya Lay Sein and officials.
At the meeting, Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye said all the countries, including Myanmar, are suffering from the global climate change, and that it is important to set up mechanisms for disaster management and response among the ministries and states/regions governments.
He also advised the previous plans to be reviewed in accordance with the changing types of natural disasters and modern technologies.
After 2008 Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar adopted plans to address the nine natural disasters under the categories of urban fire, forest fire, flood, earthquake, storms, tsunami, drought, landslide and frost.
The Union Minister asked the relevant agencies to update the plans in line with the 2013 Natural Disaster Management Law and 2015 Disaster Management Regulations to meet the needs of respective areas in attracting public participation.
Union Minister U Min Thu then said the State Counsellor has instructed the relevant ministries to review the appropriateness of existing short and long-term plans with the ongoing situations.
He also remarked better coordination is needed among the relevant government agencies, social communities and NGOs during the recent disasters happened in Mon and Kayin states.
Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Soe Aung explained the disaster management laws and regulations for preparations, emergency responses and rehabilitation works.
At the meeting, the senior officials of relevant ministries discussed the existing disaster management works and the Union Ministers coordinated the requirements.—MNA
(Translated by Aung Khin)