MINBU (Sagu) Township in Minbu District, Magway Region, has recently been listed among the world’s hottest places. In response to guidance from the Head of State, heatwave shelters have been opened since the morning of 2 April to help residents, particularly the elderly, avoid extreme temperatures.
Initially, shelters are operating daily from 8 am to 6:30 pm at Pyinnya Alinyaung Private High School and Sasana Beikman in Minbu Township, as well as Mogok Dhamma Yeiktha in Saku. These facilities are equipped with lounges, meditation rooms, dining areas and television rooms. Healthcare services are being provided by the Department of Traditional Medicine and the District General Hospital. In addition, the Department of Information and Public Relations is supplying books and daily newspapers for reading and study, along with transport assistance. On the first day, 20 elderly residents were accommodated at Pyinnya Alinyaung Private High School, where they received the necessary support and medical care.
Township Administrator and Chairman of the Township Management and Administration Committee U Aung Myin stated that there are plans to accommodate around 400 people in the shelters, noting that more than 850 residents aged 85 and above live in Minbu (Saku) Township. Depending on demand, additional reserve shelters have been arranged in Kyauktan, Phalanyon and Aukkyaung villages. He also highlighted contributions to the initiative. The Acting President donated K30 million and K9.1 million worth of rehydrated salt and juices, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement provided over K7.3 million worth of purified water, juices and personal hygiene items, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation contributed K10 million in cash and K6.1 million worth of energy drinks. The total value of donations amounts to K62.55 million. The administrator added that the authorities will continue to work closely with relevant departments, township leaders, social welfare organizations and volunteers to ensure the effective operation of the shelters.
Residents experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke are advised to seek immediate medical attention at nearby hospitals. The District General Hospital in Minbu and the Public Hospital in Sagu have prepared dedicated screening and treatment rooms. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns on heatstroke prevention are being carried out through daily loudspeaker announcements in neighbourhoods and villages, the distribution of pamphlets in busy areas, and the display of informational posters. — Maung Maung (Minbu) /MKKS
