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Relief measures taken in Nargis's hit areas NAY PYI TAW, 4 May -There were losses, damages and causalities in some places of Yangon Division, Areaway Division, Bag Division, Mon State and Karin State that were hit by the severe cyclonic storm (Margi's).The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee led by Prime Minister General Thin Seen held a meeting yesterday morning and left here for Yangon to provide relief aids.
At present, members of NDPCC led by Prime Minister General Thin Seen are supervising the tasks for clearing the debris, restoration of power and water supply, communications and transport, reopening of motor roads and rail roads and relief measures in Yangon Division and other states and divisions. Likewise, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Mat Hein of the Ministry of Defense together with the Prime Minister are supervising the relief measures in Yangon Division by helicopter. In the meantime, Lt-Gen Mint Sew of the Ministry of Defense, Commander of Yangon Command Man-Gen Hal Hay Win, members of NDPCC Ministers Man-Gen Khan Mauna Mint, Brig-Gen Lon This, Brig-Gen Mauna Thin, Man-Gen Hal Ton, Man-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein,Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Col Zaw Min, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Brig-Gen Phone Swe and Dr Mya Oo made a field trip for supervising the relief measures. Similarly, Tatmadaw members under No 11 LID and No 77 LID, members of Myanmar Police Force, Tatmadaw members
Under Yangon Command, members of USDAs in Yangon Division, Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization were participating in the tasks. Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Commander Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, members of NDPCC Ministers Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Col Thein Nyunt also made a field trip in Ayeyawady Division for supervising the reconstruction and relief measures, using Tatmadaw aircraft wherever necessary. Also taking part in the clearing and relief measures were Tatmadaw members under No 66 LID and South-West Command, MPF members, USDA members, Women's Affairs Oganization , Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization in Ayeyawady Division. Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Ko Ko, members of NDPCC Ministers Maj-Gen Aung Min and Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Ohn Myint made a field trip in Bago Division for the clearing and relief measures in which Tatmadaw members of Southern Command, MPF members, USDA members,Women's Affairs Oganization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization in Bago Division took part. In Mon State, Maj-Gen Tha Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thet Naing Win and members of NDPCC Ministers Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung made a field trip for supervising the clearing and relief measures in which Tatmadawmen of South-East Command, MPF members, USDA members, Women's Affairs Oganization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association,Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization in Mon State took part.According to the information so far received, there were 19 dead-8 men and 11 women-in Yangon Division and 222 dead in Ayeyawady Division-117 in Maw-lamyinegyun Township, 32 in Khatta Island, Ahma Township, 17 in Thaunggyidan Village, 2 in Einme Township, 1 in Labutta Township and 53 in Hainggyi Island. - MNA
Prime Minister supervises relief works in Yangon Division  NAY PYI TAW, 4 May -Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein surveyed the damage caused by cyclone in Yangon Division this morning. The Prime Minister also made coordination with officials to clear road blockages caused by fallen trees and lamp-posts and debris.He held a meeting at Yangon Command to carry out rescue and resettlement works. The Prime Minister made coordination with the respective ministries, NGOs and entrepreneurs to render assistance to the best of their ability in soonest restoration of city electricity supply, providing power with generators, ensuring clean water supply, selling fuel to commuter buses, private cars and taxies, helping domestic airlines, trains and city rail services to restart regular runs and facilitating the work of repairing damaged buildings. - MNA
Prime Minister consoles cyclone victims in Ayeyawady Division (6-5-2008)
NAY PYI TAW, 5 May -Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein met with cyclonic storm victims of Bogale, Mawlamyinegyun and Labutta Townships in Ayeyawady Division today, encouraged them and gave instructions to carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation tasks. The Prime Minister together with the ministers, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the Government Office and departmental officials and specialists arrived at Bogale of Pyapon District at 11.15 am today. Next, the Prime Minister cordially met with storm victims from the villages. At the office of Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Soe Thein reported on the loss of 4,485 houses out of 7639 from 10 wards, daily rescue of the people drifting in the sea, opening relief camps for food and drinks and medical treatment to the victims provided by Township Medical Officer Dr Daw Hla Hla Kyi and Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung gave a supplementary report. After attending to the needs, the Prime Minister presented cash for storm victims to the Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council. Later, Union Solidarity and Development Association Secretariat Member Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented K 2 million donated by Kachin State USDA and seven satellite phones through officials. Next, the Prime Minister and party inspected the damages caused by the storm in Bogale Township. On arrival at No 5 Basic Education High School where the relief camp is being opened, the Prime Minister inspected medical treatment given to injured storm victims and asked after them. Afterwards, they comforted the storm victims. Next, the Prime Minister went to Bogale People's Hospital and comforted patients who were undergoing medical treatment. He instructed staff of the hospital to prepare sufficient medicine for patients and take care of them with sympathy. He arranged 5 inward patients out of 81who needed special treatment to be taken to Yangon People's Hospital. He presented cash for patients and staff of the hospital through Township Medical Officer Daw Hla Hla Kyi. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party inspected Tatmadawmen unloading the relief supplies from motorconvoys which carried relief supplies for the storm victims of Bogale Township. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw gave seven satellite phones to Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung to use in relief work. Next, the Prime Minister and party flew over the town to see damages of Bogale. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Mawlamyingyun in Myaungmya District. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt explained damages of 95 precent of houses of the township, providing relief aids to the storm victims with 14 relief camps, providing rice to the villages, needs for the relief work to them at the local station. The Prime Minister attended to the needs. The Prime Minister presented cash assistance to Mawlamyinegyun Township, and inspected the damage around the township.
He comforted the victim patients in the township People's Hospital and presented cash assistance to the patients and the staff through the medical superintendent. He also comforted the storm victims at the relief camp at Ponna Visuddhi Sasana Beikmandaw on 14th Street. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented satellite phones to the officials for convenience in carrying out relief works. The Prime Minister inspected the damage caused by the storm in Labutta, Myaungmya District, by helicopter. At 2.40 pm, he cordially greeted and comforted the victims in Labutta. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, viewed the damage caused by the strong wind in Labutta. He also comforted the victims at the relief camp in the precinct of Sakkja Marajin Pagoda. The Prime Minister visited Labutta Township People's Hospital and comforted the outpatients and the victim patients and instructed the medical staff to provide treatment with goodwill. He presented cash assistance to the patients and staff through Head Dr Kyaw Soe of Myaungmya District Health Department. At the hospital, 26 inpatients and 770 outpatients are receiving treatment. In meeting with the storm victims in the relief camps, the Prime Minister said that he was there to render necessary assistance for the victims; that the issues are to be addressed with care and perseverance; that the government will fulfil the requirements; that those who survive the disaster will enjoy life security; that this morning relief was provided for the victims with the use of two helicopters; that plans are under way to supply water with the use of vehicles and water tankers; that arrangements are being made to provide construction materials; and that measures are being taken for rendering assistance for the survivors. In response to the reports, the Prime Minister said that vehicles, fuel oil and satellite phones have been provided for relief tasks, and instructed the officials to regard the victims as their relatives in caring them, keep the relief camps clean, build temporary latrines, and supply drinking water. The Prime Minister arrived back in Pathein at 4.35 pm. - MNA
Prime Minister inspects losses and damages in and around Nargis-hit Yangon
NAY PYI TAW, 5 May -Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein yesterday afternoon inspected losses and damages in and around Yangon as well as damaged vessels and jetties in Yangon River caused by the severe cyclonic storm (Nargis) and stressed the need for officials concerned to timely carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation tasks. Prime Minister General Thein Sein together with Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, the Director-General of Government Office, departmental heads and officials concerned inspected clearing of fallen trees on the Yangon University Campus, fallen trees, lamp posts, billboards on Pyay Road in Kamayut and along U Wizara, U Htaungbo, Alanpya Pagoda, Sule Pagoda and Strand Roads in a motorcade at 2 pm yesterday. Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived at No 6 Botahtaung Jetty where thay looked into the damaged jetty and sunken ships in the river and Hsinhine No 5 ship that was stranded on the bank after drifting in the storm. Afterwards, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe briefed on the loss of 34 ships owned by Inland Water Transport and ships that were stranded on the bank and the ships that were out of contact. The minister added that the damage of the private vessels was under investigation. After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister instructed officials concerned to salvage sunken ships not to block the waterway and to report on condition of jetties and arrival of foreign ocean liners at the mouth of the river in time. After giving the instructions, the Prime Minister and party oversaw fallen trees, lamp-posts along the Strand Road in Latha Township and then damaged Kaingtan pontoon bridge, buoys and privateowned ships stranded on the bank. Next, they inspected fallen trees and lamp-posts along the Strand Road in Ahlon Township, sales of goods at Thirimingalar Market in Kyimyindine Township, plying of passenger buses, and fallen trees, lamp-posts and blown off roofs and billboards in a motorcade. After inspecting the losses and damages, the Prime Minister gave instructions to carry out interdepartmental cooperative measures in supply of electricity and drinking water and ensure regular service of all bus lines. - MNA
Relief goods provided to victims in Bogale, Mawlamyinegyun Townships
YANGON, 5 May Members of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee ministers and deputy ministers are providing relief goods to the victims in storm-hit townships.Member of the NDPCC Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, left here for Bogale Township by military helicopter. The minister handed over relief goods including clothing and medicines to member of the NDPCC Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung and officials at the football ground in Bogale,Ayeyawady Division, at 8 am today. Minister Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe cordially met the victims and explained further provision programmes. Similarly, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, left here by military helicopter for Mawlamyinegyun Township where he provided relief goods including clothing and medicines to the victims. - MNA
Diplomats briefed on situation of the areas hit by Nargis
YANGON, 5 May -Diplomats and representatives of UN Agencies were briefed on situation of the areas hit by storm (Nargis) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here this evening. Present were Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, ambassadors, Charge d'Affaires ai of the embassies, representatives of UN Agencies and departmental officials. Minister U Nyan Win explained loss of lives and destruction caused by the cyclonic storm Nargis that occurred in Myanmar beginning 2 May. He said he invited the diplomats to explain the severe cyclonic storm. Cyclonic storms usually come to Myanmar during the early monsoon. The storm news was broadcast two or three days in advance. In order to be free from the impact of the storm in the whole country, the news about the coming storm was telecast or broadcast continuously on TV and radio. The arrival time of storm was at night and therefore there was vision limit. There were no high hills on the sea sides. Due to the 12 feet high sea tide some local people were not be able to move from their areas. As a result, there were deaths and destruction. The storm entered Yangon area at night on 2 May and occurred in the early morning of 3 May. It continued to move towards northeast inland and weakened. On 3 May, the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee led by the Prime Minister held its emergency meeting. The government sanctioned K five billion for emergency relief operations. The Prime Minister and the ministers immediately left for Yangon. They then left for Ayeyawady, Yangon and Bago Divisions, Mon and Kayin States together with four infantry divisions by seven helicopters, 60 fibre boats and 10 ships. They carried out emergency relief operations immediately in cooperation with non-governmental organizations. According to the information so far received, there were over 10,000 deaths in Ayeyawady Division, 59 in Yangon Division and about 3,000 people missing. According to detailed facts and date received,In Ayeyawady Division; (1) 2 dead in Einme Township In Yangon Division; (1) 19 dead and 4 missing in Yangon Division As facts and data are in the process of being collected, there can be further dead and missing, and relief and resettlement measures are being taken in the affected areas. The severe storm caused the temporary cut of power supply and telephone communications. Although the roofs of houses and buildings were blown off, there was no collapse of buildings but some jetties were destroyed. Altogether 67 vessels were sunk and some sampans destroyed, he noted. The Yangon International Airport was reopened while motor roads and railroads returned to normalcy. An aircraft carrying relief aid for storm victims will arrive in Yangon on 6 May from Thailand. We will be much pleased if other countries do so at a time when our people are in need of help. Items that are in need are tents, plastics, tarpaulin,CI sheets, medicines, instant foods, blankets, clothes, nails and communication equipment, he said. Next, those present expressed sorrow over casualities and damages in Myanmar and pledged to give a helping hand to her to the most possible degree. And Minister U Nyan Win and Minister Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe replied to queries raised by those present and the briefing ended at 5.30 pm. - MNA
Emergency aid for victims in Kyauktan and Kungyangon Townships
YANGON, 5 May -Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win provided the storm victims with rice, water and food in stormhit Kyauktan and Kungyangon Townships this afternoon. The commander went to Kyauktan Township and provided the storm victims with rice, water and food. He proceeded to Kungyangon Township and presented rice, water and food to the victims. He presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Boga. He told the Sayadaw that food and medicine supplies and construction materials would be provided to the local people. Under the arrangements of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, rice, water and food health staff and medicine supplies are being transported to disaster-hit areas in the townships as soon as possible. - MNA
Minister meets storm victims, provides cash
NAY PYI TAW, 5 May -CEC Member of Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung met the departmental officials at the office of General Administration Department of Kyaiklatt Township to hold a meeting on storm relief works yesterday. The minister met with the storm victims staying at the staircase of Tilawkamarazein Pagoda in the township and provided cash to them. After the storm, 22365 households have become homeless and 9572 households lost the roofs of their house in the township, leaving three people dead. Afterwards, Minster Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein met with the officials at Pyapon Township Saya Zawgyi Yarpyay library in the township and they discussed on storm relief works. - MNA
Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung and party provide relief aid to cyclone victims
YANGON, 5 May -Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung,Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe and Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun on 4 May arrived at Ngapudaw Township and Hainggyikyun Township in Pathein District and inspected losses and damages caused by the cyclonic storm. They handed over noodles, utensils, drinking water bottles, soft drinks, cookies, clothes, tarpaulin and medicines to Commander of Panmawady Naval Region Command Commodore Myo Myint Than and Chairman of the Township PDC U Kyaw Soe Htin and instructed them to distribute relief aids to the storm victims as quickly as possible. Next, the Adjutant-General, the Commander and the Deputy Minister inspected the condition of Myaungmya and Mawlamyinegyun Townships by helicopter and arrived at Bogale in the afternoon. They met with responsible persons and locals of the township and provided relief aids to them. The Adjutant-General and party bought 40000 bags of rice from rice millers and rice dealers for the locals and cyclone victims of nearby villages. They inspected the condition of the southern part of Bogale including Satsan village and arrived in Pathein in the evening. Likewise, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt in Mawlamyinegyun, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo in Labutta, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung together with members of USDA, Red Cross and Fire Brigade in Pyapon-supervised clearing works and provided the victims with relief aid. In addition, South-West Command, Ayeyawady Division PDC and other townships were also donating rice, salt, noodles, biscuit, purified drinking water and medicines to the cyclone victims. Tatmadawmen of No 66 LID and South-West Command together with members of USDA, Red Cross and Fire Brigade and social organizations in Ayeyawady Division were clearing debris and taking reconstruction measures in cyclone-hit regions. - MNA
Union of Myanmar State Peace and Development Council (Announcement No 5/2008) 1. The State Peace and Development Council announced the following regions as disaster-hit regions that were struck by the cyclonic storm Nargis under Announcement No 4/2008 dated on 3 May 2008. (a) Ayeyawady Division 2. As the government has been taking relief and resettlement measures in a speedy and effective way, the following affected regions returned to normal and they have now been dropped from the list of disasterhit regions. (a) Bago Division 3. The following townships in Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions continue to be designated as disasterhit regions, and relief and resettlement measures are being taken in those regions. (a) Tamway, South Okkalapa, Dagon (Seikkan), Dagon Myothit (South), Dagon Myothit (North),Dagon Myothit (East), Dawbon, Pazundaung, Botahtaung, Mingala Taungnyunt, North Okkalapa, Yankin, Thakayta, Thingangyun, Kamayut, Kyimyindine, Kyauktada, Sangyoung, Seikkan, Dagon, Pabedan, Bahan, Mayangon, Latha, Hline, Lanmadaw, Ahlon, Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Thongwa, Kayan, Twantay, Kungyangon, Kawhmu, Dalla, Seikkyi Khanaungto, Insein, Mingaladon, Shwepyitha and Hlinethaya Townships in Yangon Division totalling 40 townships. By order
Union of Myanmar Commission for Holding Referendum Announcement No 8/2008 1. The commission has announced that the referendum will be held on 10 May 2008 for approval of the draft constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. 2. However, due to the cyclonic storm 'NARGIS' that hit Myanmar on 2 May 2008, the State Peace and Development Council announced Ayeyawady, Yangon and Bago Divisions and Mon and Kayin States as the affected areas. 3. Now, some townships in the disaster-hit areas have returned to normalcy. The State Peace and Development Council hereby releases Announcement No 5/2008 on 6 May 2008 that the followings townships remain as the affected areas. (a) Ngaputaw, Labutta, Mawlamyinegyun, Pyapon, Bogale, Kyaiklat and Dedaye in Ayeyawady Division, totalling seven townships. (b) Tamway, South Okkalapa, Dagon (Seikkan), Dagon Myothit (South), Dagon Myothit (North), Dagon Myothit (East), Dawbon, Pazundaung, Botahtaung, Mingala Taungnyunt, North Okkalapa, Yankin, Thakayta, Thingangyun, Kamayut, Kyimyindine, Kyauktada, Sangyoung, Seikkan, Dagon, Pabedan, Bahan, Mayangon, Latha, Hline, Lanmadaw, Ahlon, Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Thongwa, Kayan, Twantay, Kungyangon, Kawhmu, Dalla, Seikkyi Khanaungto, Insein, Mingaladon, Shwepyitha and Hlinethaya in Yangon Division, totalling 40 townships. 4. The referendum due to be held in the townships stated in para (3) are postponed to 24 May 2008. (Aung Toe)
Medicines and food sent to Ayeyawady Division
YANGON, 6 May -Medicines and food donated by Royal Thai Army of Thailand were sent to Pyapon, Daydaye, Bogale and Mawlamyinegyun townships in Ayeyawady Division by helicopter. Director-General U Myint Tun of Fire Services department under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Commandant Brig-Gen Tin Maung Aye of No 1 Defence Services General Hospital (Mingaladon), Deputy Commander of Minigaladon Air Base Col Thein Naing and officials and members of Tatmadaw accepted the medicines and food donated by Thailand systematically. And these supplies were loaded onto helicopters from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm. On arrival at Pyapon, Chairman of Pyapon District Peace and Development Council U Myo Chit, Chairman of Township PDC U Myo Myint Zaw and party welcomed the arrival of No 1 helicopter carrying medicines and food. Deputy Director-General U Thet Naing of Relief and Resettlement handed them over to officials. These foods and medicines will be distributed to residents of Pyapon and Daydaye townships. Likewise, in Labutta, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division PDC, Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Haty Oo welcomed the arrival of No 2 helicopter and distributed food and medicines to victims. In Bogale, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung and officials welcomed the arrival of No 3 helicopter and distributed food and medicines to victims. Likewise, No 4 helicopter carrying medicines and household goods arrived at Mawlamyinegyun. The materials donated by Thailand to those townships in Ayeyawady Division are all sorts of medicines, sausages, canned fishes and purified drinking water and noodle packages and sachets. - MNA
Nargis victims in Ayeyawady Division receiving emergency aid
NAY PYI TAW, 6 May -Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein has been providing close supervision on effective relief activities to the storm victims in Ayeyawady Division. Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe visited such coastal regions as Ayeya, Kadonkani, Kyaine Chaung and Sarmar villages this morning and took part in relief works, presenting instant foods, drinking water, medicines and clothes to the victims. In the afternoon, food and drinking water were distributed to Hlaingphone, Kathahmyin, Mainmahlagyun and Gunnyogyigyun villages. Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Tin Htut and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo performed relief activities in coastal regions such as Theikpan Kongyi and Kwinpauk and gave drinking water, medicines and foods to the victims. In some cases, they airdropped water and instant foods. They saw to the airlift of 12 emergency patients to Pathein for medical treatment. In the afternoon, they supplied drinking water and food to Pathein, Labutta, Thingangyi and Saluseik by helicopter and said that they would send relief supplies to the victims by motor boats. The Adjutant-General, the commander and the Minister for Cooperatives presented relief supplies to storm-hit people at Pyinsalu in Labutta Township yesterday. The Adjutant-General,the commander and the minister distributed urgently-needed drinking water to the disaster-hit households after carrying it from Labutta Township by helicopter. Moreover, the Adjutant-General saw to the transfer of fourteen patients who needed emergency medical treatment to Pathein General Hospital by helicopter. He then handed over relief supplies, medicines and drinking water collected in Pathein Airport to the commander who supervised the rescue works in Pyinsalu. The commander distributed them to the storm victims and arranged the transfer of 24 patients by helicopter to People's Hospital in Labutta Township. With relief supplies on board, the Adjutant-General and the minister inspected whether Ahma in Pyapon Township and Htawpaing Nautmee, Daw Nyein, Kyonkadon and Thamainhtaw villagetracts were hit by the cyclonic storm. They airdropped the supplies for the victims in Satsan village-tract in Pyapon Township. They met and comforted the storm victims in Kyaiklat and instructed officials concerned to uplift the momentum of relief works. - MNA
Steps being taken in two phases for regular power supply Press conference on 'relief measures' held
YANGON, 6 May A press conference on conditions of some regions of Myanmar that were struck by the cyclonic storm 'Nargis' and relief measures being taken was held at the Myanmar Raido and Television's Studio (A) Hall on Pyay Road here at 11 am today. It was attened by Chairman of Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and for Immi-gration and Population Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, heads of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Information, chief-editors of dailies, the Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Assocition, the Vice-Chairman and executives, the Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, the President and member correspondents, members of editorial boards of magazines and journals and guests. In his clarification, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that the severe cyclonic storm Nargis originated in Bay of Bangal as a low pressure area. The low pressure area became stronger on 27 April and reached a state of a small storm. The cyclone passed over Hainggyi Island region on 2 May as it had become stronger and stronger. At 10 pm on 2 May, it became stronger with a wind speed from 50 to 60 miles per hour, at midnight with a wind speed of 70 miles per hour and at 2 pm with a wind speed of 120 miles. The cyclone with a diameter of about 150 miles struck Ayeyawady, Yangon and Bago Divisions and Mon and Kayin States on 2 and 3 May and moved into north-eastwards and weakened.
The government issued warnings to the people as to the severe cyclonic storm Nargis since 24 April through newspapers, radio and TV.The warnings of radio and TV on 1 May and that of newspapers on 2 May said that the cyclone could bring damages to north-east regions such as Thayawady and Yangon and to north regions such as Gwa, Pathein, Myaungmya, Labutta, M a w l a m y i n e g y u n , Kyonmangay, Chaungtha, Ngwehsaung and Bogale, and there can be strong wind during the cyclonic storm. The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee was informed of the cyclone.The NDPCC was formed in 2005 to take necessary measures in case of disaster drawing lessons from the incident of Tsunami that occurred in South-east Asian region in December 2005. In line with the warnings, cyclonic storm Nargis struck Ayeyawady Division, Yangon Division, Mon State and Kayin State from 2 May morning to 3 May evening. Therefore, there were losses and damages in Ayeyawady Division, Yangon Division, Mon State and Kayin State, he added. Members of NDPCC led by Prime Minister General Thein Sein rushed to the cyclonehit areas from Nay Pyi Taw soon after the meeting of NDPCC held on 3 May morning and started launching a drive for clearing debris and carrying out reconstruction and relief works.
Similarly, the State Peace and Development Council issued An-nouncement No 4/2008 on 3 May and designated the affected regions, namely, Yangon, Ayeyawady and Bago Divisions and Mon and Kayin States as disasterstricken regions under the announcement so as to be able to take the national level relief measures, he noted. In the meantime, senior military officers led by Prime Minister General Thein Sein together with some NDPCC members are supervising the clearing and relief works in Yangon Division and other cyclone-hit states and divisions.
Together with the Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein is supervising the relief measures by helicopter, he said. Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, members of NDPCC Ministers Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Col Zaw Min, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Brig-Gen Phone Swe and Dr Mya Oo are supervising the clearing and relief tasks in Yangon Division. Tatmadaw members of No 11 LID and No 77 LID, members of Myanmar Police Force, Tatmadawmen of Yangon Command, members of Yangon Divison USDA Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization are participating in the campaign. Tatmadaw helicopters are being used wherever necessary, he disclosed. In a similar manner, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe and members of NDPCC Ministers Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Col Thein Nyunt are making field trips to supervisethe clearing and relief works in Ayeyawady Division with the use of Tatmadaw helicopters wherever necessary. Tatmadaw members of No 66 LID and Western Command, MPF members, USDA members, members of Women's Affairs Federation, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization in Ayeyawady Division are participating in the drive._Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Ko Ko, members of NDPCC Ministers Maj-Gen Aung Min, Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Ohn Myint are supervising the clearing and relief tasks in Bago Division being carried out by Tatmadawmen of Southern Command, MPF members, USDA members, members of Women's Affairs Federation, Maternal and Child Wel-fare Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization in Bago Division. Maj-Gen Tha Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thet Naing Win, members of NDPCC Ministers Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung are supervising the clearing and relief tasks in Mon State being carried out by Tatmadawmen of South-East Command, MPF members, USDA members, members of Women's Affairs Federation, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and War Veterans Organization in Mon State. Owing to collective efforts of the Tatmadaw and the people, motor roads, railroads and waterways can be serviceable and foreign and domestic airlines return to normal while the storm-hit roads and highways are now used by with traffic. For electricity, steps are being taken in first and second phases for power supply. In the first phase, power supply to No 2 Defence Services General Hospital, Children's Hospital, Central Women's Hospital, Yangon General Hospital, Western General Hospital, Insein Communication Station, Insein GSM Station, Mayangon Overseas Communication Station, five CNG Filling Stations, Yangon International Airport, University of Computer Studies, Phugi Water works, Yayku Water works and Shwedagon Pagoda can be carried out. In the second phase, 4,000 employees are repairing the power supply system and power will be distributed to complete power supply network. Out of five water supply stations in Yangon, Gyobyu Water Supply Station supplies water to Yangon regularly, and Phugyi, Hlawga and Yegu start water supply as they have been repaired. Nyaunghnapin Water Supply Station is under repair and it is expected to supply water within one or two days. Seven generators -two 100-KV generators in Hlinethaya Township, two generators in Thingangyun Township, two generators in Thakeyta Township and one generator in Latha Township -are being used to supply water to residents in Yangon. Arrangements have been made to bring 35-KVA, 360 KVA and 500-KVA generators to Yangon to be used in water supply tasks in Yangon. Water supply stations on Maha Bandoola Street, at City Hall, in Thakeyta, Yeku and Ahlon townships are supplying water to esidents in Yangon. The connection of mobile phone system is restored to its good condition, and 100 CDMA phones have been installed in Yangon for public use and more CDMA phones will be installed in Yangon. Regarding the prices of consumer goods, officials concerned are closely supervising the sales of household goods and foods. Regarding loss and casualties caused by the cyclonic storm Nargis, 59 dead and 504 went missing in Yangon Division, two dead in Einme, Ayeyawady Division, 1,835 dead and 2,187 went missing in Mawlamyinegyun Township, 975 dead on Hainggyi Island, 253 dead and 16 went missing on Khatta Island, Ahma Township, 789 dead and 172 went missing in Dedaye Township and five dead in Pyapon Township. Over10,000 dead in Bogale Township and over 1,000 dead in Labutta Township. The Government earmarked K 5 billion to be spent on relief works, and aids, and assistance from the people and businessmen are required to turn the situation into normal situation as the storm caused heavy loss and damages.Relief aids from local as well as foreign countries are needed to help victims. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and I also briefed Diplomats and officials of UN agencies and NGOs on conditions of the loss and damages and relief works. Thailand will donate US $ 100,000 and relief aid to the victims and a plane loaded with relief aid from Thailand will arrive Yangon International Airport today and a plane loaded with relief aids from the People's Republic of China will arrive here today. Relief aid from Singapore is expected to arrive here within a week and other countries have made arrangements to donate relief aid to Myanmar. We also want to express thanks to those countries which show sympathy for loss and damage of Myanmar due to the storm. Items that are in need are tents, plastic, tarpaulin, CI sheets, clothes, drinking water, medicines, instant foods, blankets, clothes, nails and zinc sheets. There are rumours related to the loss and damage and people should not believe them. The State-owned media has released information and news. Relief and rehabilitation works are being carried out as a national duty. People are to inform the local authority if they find those who spread rumours. As the affected area is large, tasks to be carried out are huge. Therefore, there would be difficulties to perform these tasks. Joining hands with NGOs, the people and donors from local and abroad, the government will work hard to carry out relief and rehabilitation works until these efforts meet with success, the minister said. Officials concerned replied to queries raised by journalists and the press conference ended.
International organizations donate medicines, foods, cash and relief items to storm victims in Myanmar
YANGON, 6 May Local and international organizations are donating relief supplies such as food, medicines and cash to storm victims at the rehabilitation and reconstruction subcommittee office opened at the Fire Service Department (Head Office) in Mayangon Township, Yangon Division. Among those relief supplies are instant foods worth US$ 20,000 and tarpaulin worth US$ 30,000 donated by UNHCR, foods and medicines worth US$ 300,000 donated by World Vision. Moreover, contacts are being made to the sub-committee office to donate relief items to the storm victims. The relief items donated are tents, medicines, water purifiers, plastics and cutters by the Bangladeshi Ambassador; 330 tent-sets each holding six people and 50 generators and accessory wires worth US$ 260,000 by the Japanese Government; instant foods and tarpaulin worth US$ 50,000 by UNHCR; rice and 18 tons of biscuit worth US$ 5 million by World Food Programme (WFP); tents, foods, clothes, mosquito nets and water purifiers worth US$ 3 million by World Vision; clothes, medicines, construction materials and tents by Save the Children Myanmar; medicines by Forciv Myanmar; tents and medicines by Mercy Relief of Singapore; US$ 100,000 by the Thai Government; two plane-loads of relief items and two war ship-loads of relief items by the Indian Government; one plane-load of relief items by the People's Republic of China; one planeload of relief items by Lao People's Democratic Republic; foods, medicines and water purifying items by UNICEF (Myanmar); and tents, medicines, blankets, warm clothes and water purifiers by Universal Navigation Pte Ltd (UNPL). Other international organizations are making offer to provide such relief aid to Myanmar. - MNA
Relief aids donated to storm victims NAY PYI TAW, 6 May Military commands, social organizations and wellwishers from states and divisions are donating relief aids to the storm victims out of the national spirit.
Tatmadawmen and their families of the Eastern Command and the people of Shan State (South) donated 100,000 viss of potatoes worth K 29 million; Tatmadawmen and their families of the Central Command and the people of Mandalay Division, 90 rolls of tarpaulin,22,000 packets of noodle, 16440 packets of varieties of snack, 4800 tins of soft drinks, 4,000 men's wear, 4,000 women's wear, 2500 shirts and kinds of clothing worth K 33,354,500; Tatmadawmen and their families of the Triangle Region Command and the people of Shan State (East), 150 packets of noodle, 3000 tinned fish, 72 viss of edible oil, 79 packets of kinds of snack, clothing and 3 portable sewing machines worth K ,236,940; Tatmadawmen and their families and the people of Magway Division, 7400 viss of pulses and beans, 15000 viss of onion, 5000 viss of potatoes, 330 viss of edible oil, 300 men's wear, 300 women's wear and 300 blankets worth K 10,224,800 and Kanbawza Company Limited, 54000 viss of potatoes and 400,000 chicken eggs worth K 45,660,000. - MNA |
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