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PM calls for speedy measures for rehabilitation as monsoon sets in and schools reopen soon
NAY PYI TAW, 12 May - A meeting on rehabilitation in storm-hit areas in Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Command this morning, with an address by Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein. Also present were 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 ministers, the deputy ministers the director- general of the Government Office, heads of departments, chairmen of companies and guests. First, Lt-Gen Myint Swe said that sub-committees formed for taking measures against the natural disaster in the country are carrying out their tasks and the private companies and organizations in cooperation with the government are also undertaking relief and resettlement tasks. The companies that visited the storm hit areas were to report on difficulties encountered in those areas and requirements to be fulfilled by the State, he said. Next, chairmen of the companies and officials reported on their experiences in storm-hit townships in Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions, arrangements for reconstruction of schools and hospitals on priority basis and provision of food, clothing and shelter needs and health care services. Chairman of Towns and Villages Reconstruction Committee Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein reported on arrangements for reconstruction of towns and villages and low-cost housing projects. Bankers and construction entrepreneurs reported on cooperation in the respective sectors. Commander Maj- Gen Hla Htay Win and Ministers Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on reconstruction work. Lt-Gen Myint Swe took part in the discussions.Next, Prime Minister General Thein Sein said most of the townships in Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions were severely hit by the storm that occurred on 2 and 3 May. A large amount of property and a great number of human lives were lost in the tidal waves caused by the storm.He said the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee held its meeting as soon as the disaster occurred. The Chairman of the Central Committee and the ministers rushed to the storm-hit areas and carried out relief tasks, he said. In Yangon, commuter service has resumed as usual and power and water supply operates to some extent due to the measures taken by the government. Situation in storm-hit areas has improved as the relief tasks for survivors in two divisions were undertaken properly and well, he said. He said the government is providing shelters for those who lost their homes. He spoke of the need to undertake speedy measures for rehabilitation as monsoon sets in and schools reopen soon. He said the ministries concerned and officials are making arrangements for restoration and reconstruction of hospitals, schools, departmental offices and residential areas on priority basis with the participation of private companies. Construction tasks will be speedy through cooperation between the government and the companies. The Prime Minister spoke of the need for the companies responsible to launch their projects in the areas concerned as soon as possible. The government will provide necessary assistance for the companies, he added. - MNA
International relief supplies continue to arrive
YANGON, 12 May - IL-76 flight carrying 30 tons of eight kinds of relief supplies donated by Russian Federation, A-6 MX-A flight carrying 34.5 tons of medicines, blankets, mosquito nets, clothes, generators and water purifiers donated by World Doctors Group in France and French Red Cross Society, IL-76 flight
carrying 34 tons of mosquito nets, water purifiers, tarpaulin, nylon ropes, pumps, tanks, life jackets, life boats and instant foods donated by Doctors Without Border based in Switzerland, IL-76 flight carrying 28 tons of instant foods donated by India, two C-130 flights carrying medicines, foods, clothes, tents and other supplies donated by Malaysia, C-130 flight carrying 11 tons of medicines, foods and tents donated by Greece and C- 130 flight carrying supplies donated by the United States of America arrived at Yangon International Airport today. Likewise, Air Bus A-300 carrying 24 tons of tents, blankets, mosquito nets, tanks, tarpaulin and kitchen machines donated by WFP and 747 flight carrying 61.5 tons of construction materials donated by Cares Group in Dubai, UAE arrived here yesterday evening. International relief supplies that arrived here were immediately sent to the respective storm-hit regions. - MNA
US relief supplies arrive in Myanmar
YANGON, 12 May - The United States of America donated relief aid to the disaster-hit areas of Myanmar at a ceremony held at Yangon Interna-tional Airport this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig - Gen Kyaw Myint,
Commander of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Commodore Win Shein, Commander of Mingaladon Air Base Headquarters Brig-Gen Zin Yaw, officials, Administrator of US Agency For International Development Ms Henrietta Fore, Commander in Chief of US Pacific Command Admiral Timothy J Keating and party, Charge d' Affaires of US Embassy Ms Shari Villarosa and embassy staff. C-130 aircraft of US Air Force carrying mosquito nets, blankets and bottles of drinking water arrived at the airport at 2 pm. The Commander-in- Chief (Navy) and party welcomed Ms Henrietta Fore, Admiral Timothy J Keating and party. Ms Henrietta Fore handed over the relief items to Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint.
Vice-Admiral Soe Thein in his speech thanked the US for the donation. He said that requirements for the victims have been fulfilled to an extent, that the Tatmadaw, the people and social organizations are now contributing voluntary service with heart and soul reaching all the affected areas, that relief and rehabilitation tasks call for a lot of relief supplies and funds; that so far, the nation does not need skilled relief workers yet; and that the donation will enhance friendship between the governments, armed forces and the peoples of the two countries. Ms Henrietta Fore, Admiral Timothy J Keating and officials explained the programme that the US renders assistance to the victims. Vice-Admiral Soe Thein briefed them on health care services being provided to storm victims in the affected areas in Ayeyawady Division by specialists, physicians and nurses, supply of drinking water, foodstuff, clothes, tents and construction materials and progress of relief works. Vice-Admiral Soe Thein and party, American delegates viewed helicopters loaded with relief supplies leaving for storm-hit areas. The guests inspected relief aid donated by local and international donors and left Yangon International Airport at 4 pm. The relief aid donated by the USA totaled 10800 mosquito nets, 8300 bottled drinking water and 1350 blankets weighing 24,000 pounds or about 11 tons. - MNA
Prime Minister inspects rehabilitation tasks in Ayeyawady Division
NAY PYI TAW, 13 May - Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein accompanied by Commander- in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, the ministers, directors-general and officials concerned arrived in Pyapon, Ayeyawaday Division, from Yangon by helicopter yesterday. He heard reports by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing, who is making arrangements for rehabilitation tasks there, on milling of rice at rice mills, accommodation of the storm victims in the canvas tents donated by international communites and distribution of corrugated iron sheets in the town.The Prime Minister thereupon gave necessary instructions and inspected reconstruction of People's Hospital, departmental buildings, and dwellings, arrival and distribution of sawn timber at Thiri Annawa Hall in the town.The Prime Minister and party also looked into completion of the setting up of canvas tents donated by international communities to systematically accommodate the storm victims. On his arrival at Pathein by helicopter, the Prime Minister held a work coordination meeting on relief and rehabilitation with Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and evelopment Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, the ministers and officials concerned who reported on measures taken for the storm victims in the town. The Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Adjutant-General gave supplementary reports. The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions. - MNA
Myanmar government and people express thanks to Thai King and family, Thai government and people for their donations NAY PYI TAW, 14 May - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein cordially welcomed Thai Prime Minister Mr Samak Sundaravej and members at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yangon this afternoon. Prime Minister General Thein Sein met Thai Prime Minister Mr Samak Sundaravej in Mindon Hall. Present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Director-General of the Government Office Col Thant Shin, Director-General of Protocol Department U Kyaw Kyaw and officials.The Thai Prime Minister was accompanied by Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bansarn Bunnag and Military Attache Col Ekachai Harnpoon Vittaya. The Thai Prime Minister said he had a feeling of delicacy to meet his counterpart while the latter was doing heavy duty. Myanmar people got into trouble due to the storm and the Thai people shared sorrow of the people of Myanmar. He said Thailand provided assistance to
Myanmar after the storm and he assured that continued assistance would also be provided via Myawady, a border town.In his reply, Prime Minister General Thein Sein said some regions in the country faced natural disaster and he was pleased to see the visiting Prime Minister in the time of difficulty and thanked him for providing assistance. He said the supplies were delivered to the country in seven flights. As soon as the supplies arrived at Yangon International Airport, they were delivered right to disaster-hit areas. The relief supplies donated by Thailand included those of the Thai King himself as well as those of Princess Siridhorn. Myanmar also accepted the relief goods donated by the Thai government and the people.The Myanmar government and the people express thanks to the Thai King and family, the Thai government and the people for their donations.The Prime Minister said the Myanmar people had never experienced such a violent storm that occurred on 2 and 3 May. The storm claimed over 30,000 lives and more than 20,000 went missing. It also caused a great deal of damage. On 3 May after the storm, the cabinet members led by the Prime Minister rushed to Yangon. The ministers were sent to the storm-hit regions to closely supervise relief work. Relief operations were carried out effectively with the aim of helping the survivors to continue to survive the aftershocks. Now, all the relief work has been completed.
As a second step, relief works are being carried out. The relief goods such as food, clothing and medicines that have come from the international community shortly after the storm are enough for the victims, said the Prime Minister. Next, the Thai Prime Minister presented Buddha images to Prime Minister General Thein Sein as a Dhamma gift. General Thein Sein hosted a luncheon in honour of the Thai Prime Minister and party at the Sedona Hotel. Before luncheon, the Thai Prime Minister had the scenic view of Yangon from the 11 th floor. They then had lunch. After the lunch, the Thai Prime Minister presented US$ 500,000, 50 satellite phones and phone cards worth 2 million baht donated by the Thai government and the people and US$ 92728 donated by a Buddhist organization in Thailand to Prime Minister General Thein Sein. Then, the two Prime Ministers spoke words of thanks again. Thai Prime Minister said that he realized the rescue efforts of Myanmar due to his firsthand experience rather than hearsay. Next, Prime Minister General Thein Sein and the Thai Prime Minister, accompanied by responsible personnel, proceeded in cars to Yankin, South Okkalapa, Dagon Myothit (North) and Dagon Myothit (South) townships and inspected the progress of work on smooth flow of traffic, removal of trees and reconstruction of houses. After that, they visited the relief camp opened at Ward 17 in Dagon Myothit (South) and, on arrival there, they were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win. Responsible personnel briefed the Thai Prime Minister and party on measures taken for opening the relief camp with the use of tents donated by international communities and supplying purified drinking water. Then they continued to explain that an administrative office and a control office were opened at the camp in order that the requirements of the storm victims could be met promptly. The Thai Prime Minister also consulted the doctor who was giving medical treatment at the relief camp. Then Prime Minister General Thein Sein and the Thai Prime Minister checked the medicines donated. After that, the Thai Prime Minister greeted the children watching a video in the camp. And then, the Thai Prime Minister asked the victims about the situation of accommodation and distribution of relief. Finally, the Thai Prime Minister said goodbye to Prime Minister General Thein Sein and left Dagon Myothit (South) for Yangon International Airport to return home. - MNA
Prime Minister General Thein Sein inspects relief camps in Pathein
NAY PYI TAW, 14 May - Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein, accompanied by Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, hairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, ministers, heads of department, inspected relief camps in Pathein yesterday. The Prime Minister and party inspected the relief camp at Thiha hostel of Pathein University, met with storm victims, individually asked them relief supplies, foods and accommodation and consoled them. Next, the Prime Minister gave instructions on creation of job opportunities for healthy storm victims and keeping respective relief camps and their environment clean. At the relief camp at Koethein Gymnasium, Chairperson of Ayeyawady Division Women's Affairs Organization Daw Win Win Maw presented relief supplies worth K 2 million donated by Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation to the Prime Minister. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party distributed relief items to the storm victims and cordially greeted those from Labutta and Ngaputaw Townships and consoled them. At No. 3 Basic Education High School of Pathein,the Prime Minister and party presented relief items to the storm victims donated by wellwishers.
Next, they asked after a storm victim who was badly injured in the back during the storm and cured after and undergoing medical treatment. The storm victims from Labutta and Ngaputaw Townships were accommodated separately at Pathein University, Koethein Gymnasium and No 3 BEHS being provided with food. In addition, health care services are being given to them.Next, the Prime Minister and party helicoptered to Labutta from Pathein in the afternoon. Afterwards, they viewed roofing with corrugated iron sheets, thatches and tarpaulin on the houses and office buildings, and relief and rehabilitation tasks being undertaken by companies in Labutta Township by car. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo briefed the Prime Minister on his visit to the villages that were out of contact in Labutta, losses and damages and measures taken for the storm victims to accommodate them along with the relief supplies.
Next, Commander Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung and inisters briefed the Prime Minister on condition of stormhit areas in Labutta Township and arrangements to be made for carrying out rehabilitation tasks. Regarding the reports, the Prime Minister gave necessary instructions to officials concerned. Afterwards, the Prime Minister gave instructions on carrying out rehabilitation and development tasks while providing relief and health care services to the storm victims effectively. On arrival at Myaungmya, chairman of Myaungmya District PDC U Aye Han briefed the Prime Minister and party on active participation of departmental personnel at district and township levels and the local people in relief and rehabilitation for the storm victims from Labutta Township. In response to the reports, the Prime Minister attended to the needs and instructed the officials concerned to constantly focus on health care services, food and accommodation for the storm victims and fulfil their needs with goodwill. Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived back Pathein by Tatmadaw helicopter. - MNA
Lt-Gen Myint Swe presents supplies to victims in Dalla, Seikkyi-Khanaungto townships
YANGON, 14 May - Accompanied by CEC members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, departmental officials and wellwishers, Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence comforted storm victims at Thiri Zeya Anawrahta Hall in Dalla Township this afternoon. He presented relief goods donated by the Office of Myanmar Military Attaché to Thailand to the victims. The mayor and the vicemayor presented relief aid to the victims. Cetana donation group presented 500 bags of rice, U Soe Hlaing (Swan-ah Engineering Group) K 1 million and Dr Naing Win (Kyaw Zeya Co) K 500,000 to the funds for education and health sectors of the victims. Lt-Gen Myint Swe explained arrangements being made by the government and wellwishers to donate relief aids to the victims in time. Likewise, Divi-sion, District and Town-ship PDCs, companies and wellwishers donated relief goods to the victims of Dalla Township. In Seikkyi- Khanaungto Township, Lt-Gen Myint Swe provided relief aid donated by the Office of Myanmar Military Attaché to Thailand to the victims. The mayor and the vicemayor also presented relief goods to the victims. Wellwishers also donated relief aid to the victims. They also presented relief supplies to the victims at Mogaung Pagoda of West Seikkyi Ward. Local authorities and wellwishers resented relief goods to the victims. After that, Lt-Gen Myint Swe attended the annual ceremony to pay homage to Tipitakadhara Dhammabhandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sumanby the Office of Myanmar Military Attaché to Thailand to the victims. The mayor and the vicemayor also presented relief goods to the victims. Wellwishers also donated relief aid to the victims. They also presented relief supplies to the dagalankara (PhD) of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Monastery in Ward 9 of Mayangon Township in conjunction and open Bawdipuza Mingala Beikman. In addition, he attended the ceremony to honour the monks who passed the Tipitakadhara Selection Examination at the same venue. - MNA
Over 92 per cent say "Yes" to Referendum Commission for Holding Referendum issues Announcement No 10/2008 NAY PYI TAW, 15 May - The Commission for Holding the Referendum Union of Myanmar
(Aung Toe)
Prime Minister visits relief camp in Twantay Township
NAY PYI TAW, 15 May - Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein, accompanied by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence and officials, went on an inspection tour of the relief camp opened at Shwesandaw Ward of Twantay Township this afternoon. At the relief camp, Chairman U Aung San Tha of Township Peace and Development Council briefed the Prime Minister and party on blowing of the storm in the township, losses and damages, opening of relief camps, accommodation of the storm victims and progress in rendering assistance and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha gave a supplementary report on the extent of loss and damages in the township and progress in carrying out rehabilitation tasks.
Next, the Prime Minister again asked the severity of the storm and losses and damages and gave instructions, saying that the storm crossed the regions of Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions. There had been losses and damages in the township to a certain extent. Members of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee went on inspection tour of the respective storm-hit regions while making necessary arrangements for the storm victims. Relief tasks have already been undertaken at present. Rehabilitation tasks have begun. The requirements of the township have also been fulfilled.
First priority is to repair and rebuild hospitals. To be able to open schools in time, it needs to take assistance of the companies that are shouldering the responsibility of construction tasks in respective townships and to repair damaged schools speedily. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party oversaw the storm victims accommodated at the tarpaulin tents donated by Singapore and use of wellwishers-donated relief items. Next, the Prime Minister inspected opening of clinic and progress in providing health care services to the storm victims. Later, the Prime Minister enjoyed a Video feature together with the storm-hit children at the tarpaulin tent donated by Japan. Next, the Prime Minister and party inspected accommodation for the storm victims, the storm-hit families at the tarpaulin tentss donated by India and use of relief items. Afterwards, the Prime Minister presented relief items donated by respective regions to the families and gave instructions to them to cultivate the spirit of overcoming the effects of the natural disaster because our people are capable of encountering obstacles and overcoming them. The Prime Minister and party arrived back Yangon following the inspection of losses and damages caused by the storm and reconstruction tasks in the township in a motorcade. - MNA
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