MoSWRR holds coordination meeting on immediate flood response

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement held a coordination meeting to respond quickly to possible floods due to weather conditions, in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
At the meeting, Union Minister Dr Thet Thet Khine said that preparation is important to disaster management. If well prepared, the damage can be reduced. According to the current river level situation, it is found to be close to the danger level in Myitkyina, Bhamo and Shwegu. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has also announced that it may reach the danger level. Floods are likely to start during the rainy season this year due to floods in China, she said.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the risk of floods and subsequent risks. As there are already plans and previous experiences, it is necessary to follow the plans, she continued. She also stressed the need to notify the relevant region/state governments to prepare for floods and be ready for emergency response.
Deputy Minister U Aung Tun Khaing gave instructions to supervise the readiness of relief supplies and to be more careful than usual. Heads of Department of the Region/State Emergency Management Center gave explanations by sector, and the Permanent Secretary gave supplementary reports.
Afterwards, the participants discussed and the Union minister and the deputy minister gave suggestions to facilitate the coordination.
Heavy rains in recent days in Shwegu, Bhamo, and Myitkyina caused river water to overflow. The river level is rising in the wards and villages in downstream areas, and a total of 1,180 people in these towns have been relocated to monasteries and offices of the ward administration offices. It is reported that the Kachin State Government and the Disaster Management Department are providing assistance where necessary. — MNA