Statement of News Information Team Leader of SAC Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun on floods, aid, rescue operations
Today, I would like to talk about floods caused by Cyclone Yagi and the depression area in the Bay of Bengal and aid and rescue operations. Warnings about the depression had been issued since 29 August.
Similarly, warnings about powerful Cyclone Yagi and risks for floods, torrential rains and landslides in Central Myanmar had been widely issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology since 9 September.
At night on 9 September alone, areas around Nay Pyi Taw and Tatkon received 11 inches of rain and creeks overflowed their banks and inundated villages and residential wards, destroying houses, roads and bridges. Similarly, some places in 56 townships in Kayah State, Kayin State, Bago Region, Magway Region, Mandalay Region, Mon State, Shan State and Ayeyawady Region were flooded.
According to statistics received up to 14 September, more than 72,900 houses of more than 78,000 households and more than 320,000 had to be evacuated to temporary shelters. In the entire country, a total of 113 people died while 64 people are missing and 14 people were wounded. Efforts are being made to rescue the missing people. In connection with the natural disaster, the government has been implementing rescue and rehabilitation operations as best and as soon as possible.
The Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council and relev- ant ministers have been making field trips to areas affected by the natural disasters. Similarly, the Disaster Management Committee has set up a 24-hour office and measures are being taken in real time. It is encouraging to see that Tatmadaw personnel, members of the Myanmar Police Force, the Fire Brigade, the Red Cross, NGOs and wellwishers are actively cooperating in the efforts. Here, I would like to inform the public that destructive media and those who want to destroy the country are trying to undermine the aid and rescue operations through various ways and means by neglecting the united strength of the people. They are trying to terrify the people through rumors. One vivid example is that they are reporting that about 700 people died in Thabyaybin Village in Yamethin Township. In fact, rescue teams have arrived in the village. Only eight people died and some were wounded. The injured have been transported to hospitals and clinics. At about 1 pm yesterday, when villages to the west of Zayatgyi area in Taungoo were being evacuated, a Tatmadaw personnel and a member of the Police, both of whom were members of rescue teams, were washed away by floods and are still missing.
Here, I would like to appreciate the efforts of Tatmadaw personnel, members of the police, the Red Cross and volunteer rescue teams of the people.
Our government is determined to carry out rescue and rehabilitation operations effectively as best and soon as possible. The Ministry of Social Welfare and Resettlement is preparing to provide the victims with cash for rice and rations by setting prices and compensations for the dead and injured as an additional measure. Those who have lost their houses will also be provided with cash assistance based on the percentage of damage.
At present, flood victims will be provided cash for food during their stay at shelters at fixed rates. Rescue donations are also being welcomed. We have also seen that volunteers are donating cash. I would like to express special thanks for their donations on behalf of the government. In conclusion, we are required to show our united strength during the natural disaster. We must show our united strength. Those who live away from the country and want to destroy it cannot and will not serve the interests of the country.
I would like to say that we will have to overcome difficulties through our internal strength.
Thanks.