THE National Disaster Manage­ment Committee and the News and Information Work Commit­tee meeting was held at the Min­istry of Information in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Union Minister for Informa­tion U Maung Maung Ohn, who is also Chair of the News and Information Work Committee, said the media sector is more important during the outbreak of natural disasters than at normal times. Currently, it is crucial to eliminate fake news and misinformation through the media and to issue aware­ness programmes on natural disasters, damage and losses, rescue operations, rehabilitation efforts, and messages of support from international countries, promptly. It is vital for both the government and the public to have access to accurate and reli­able information. The committee members also should continu­ously monitor the statements related to natural disasters and work together to carry out the necessary actions promptly.

Deputy Minister U Ye Tint briefed the international aid, damage, rescue operations, vid­eo, news and records of rescue and rehabilitation processes.

The attendees then dis­cussed the matters related to activities of the National Dis­aster Management Commit­tee, educational programmes on disasters, weather reports, communication sector, injuries, damage, losses and death tolls, and international cooperation to ensure the access the drinking water.

After the meeting, the Un­ion minister and party presented the donated relief items to the quake-affected staff of the Min­istry of Information.

At noon, the Union minister received a Chinese delegation led by Minister Counsellor Dr Zheng Zheng of the Embassy of China in Myanmar Dr Zheng Zheng at the temporary office building of the ministry and discussed the damage after the powerful earthquake, Chinese humanitarian assistance to quake victims and further bi­lateral cooperation.

Afterwards the Union min­ister and party inspected the construction of relief camps for staff by the UAB foundation at Dhana Theikdi stadium in Za­buthiri township, food, access to electricity and clean water, and a location to establish a clinic for healthcare services. — MNA/KTZH