The second (emergency) meeting of the National Natural Disaster Management Committee took place at the Natural Disaster Management Centre of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, with an address by Chairman of the Committee Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Senior General said that cyclonic storm Mocha was at 80 miles west-southwest of Sittway and 85 miles from Maungtaw according to the observation of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. Its wind speed hit 130-137 miles per hour. Storm tidal may reach 20 feet high in minimum.
Since 6 May, the rehearsals on preparedness against danger of the storm have been conducted. Relevant departments have to make preparations to give helps to the people for unexpected measures in the aftermath of the storm. Relevant ministries should slate the plans of rescue and relief measures along the route of the storm.
Deputy Director General Daw Tin Yi of the DMH reported on current situation of the storm.
Vice Chairs of National Natural Disaster Management Committee Union Minster Lt-Gen Soe Htut and Dr Thet Thet Khaing reported on undertakings of the Natural Disaster Management Centre, formation of teams for the searching and rescue works, evacuation of the people to the safer places, release of weather news, collection of reserve rice to be distributed to the disaster hit areas, stockpiles of medicines, basic foods and relief supplies and performing the rescue works in the disaster hit areas.
Union ministers and deputy ministers explained offers of some countries to give aid through AHA centre, possible flooding and landslides, broadcasting of information to the people, immigration measures, healthcare services, transport and spending of funds.
The chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, chief ministers of Kachin and Chin states, Sagaing, Magway and Ayeyawady regions and officials reported on preparations for searching and recue works, rehabilitation and reconstruction measures, health measures, establishment of livelihoods, stockpiling of foods and relief supplies, opening of the disaster management offices, transport and information measures and sending of rescue and relief teams from the Tatmadaw.
The Vice-Senior General heard reports on emergency response to the storm Mocha and coordinated necessary measures. Later, the meeting ended with the remarks of the Vice-Senior General.—MNA/TTA
