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Myanmar

Vice-President U Nyan Tun addressing meeting of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 April

Vice-President U Nyan Tun, at a meeting of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee at the Ministry for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, urged Wednesday that government bodies to be ready for a natural disaster management system that comprises prevention, preparedness, response and rehabilitation.

He warned the extent of damage caused by natural disasters depends on weakness, vulnerability, population density, preparedness, type of disaster and the strength of natural calamities.

U Nyan Tun said that although the type of disaster and its degree cannot be controlled, other factors can be managed through the cooperation and public awareness.

He suggested Myanmar should adopt the appropriate plans for disaster managements by taking lessons from natural disasters across the world.

The vice-president highlighted the importance of awareness, creation of communication systems, media information regarding natural disaster management programmes, and rescue drills, as well as storing water, food, clothes, household utensils and construction material for emergency use.

He also called for preparedness under an immediate disaster response system by taking the victims into shelters and providing care.

U Nyan Tun also said ministries, states and regional governments must to report the real situation to the central government so it can coordinate effectively with foreign governments, social organizations, international organizations and regional organizations.