NAY PYI TAW September 13
Due to the typhoon Yagi formed in South China Sea and a depression formed in the central-west and north-west Bay of Bengal, some townships in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and in some regions and states faced flash floods and swollen rivers and creeks caused by continuous rains in various parts of the country that began on 10 September.
Together with departmental staff and members of social welfare associations, Tatmadaw members of the relevant areas relocated flood victims at safe areas, repaired roads and bridges, cleared debris from fallen walls and buildings and removed fallen trees and branches that were blocking the roads. They were also transporting the victims to relief camps in the respective townships, providing healthcare, and distributing food to them.
Chairman of State Administration Council Commanderin-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by officials, inspected the relief undertakings, damaged roads and bridges, preparations to ensure uninterrupted road transport, and the degree of floods this afternoon. Flash floods along the Hsinthay creek damaged the end piers, destroyed road banks through erosion of the approach structure, and lowered the mid piers of Thaikchaung (Hsinthaychaung) creek bridge, 360 feet long and 55 feet wide, that connected Zeyathiri and Pobbathiri townships in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, on Pobbathiri ring road. The Senior General inspected the erection of a bailey bridge as a temporary transport facility to ensure interrupted transport. Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant and officials explained progress of work.
In response, the Senior General said temporary bridges should be erected at the places where other bridges damaged by the floods, apart from Thaikchaung (Hsinthaychaung) creek bridge to maintain public transport. In rebuilding or repairing the damaged bridges when the floods retreated, their sustainability, natural disaster resistance, rapid and forceful water flow resistance should be taken in account and calculated.
Subsequently, the Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement, the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council and other responsible officials inquired about the current situation of those needing assistance in relocation from areas affected by flooding in the Nay Pyi Taw Council area to temporary flood relief camps. They called for measures to ensure the well-being and sustenance of the flood victims and to provide necessary support. It was also emphasized that arrangements should be made for the monks and nuns in monasteries to receive adequate food supplies and to address any other needs.
Following this, the Senior General and party inspected the damage to cultivated acres caused by flooding, the extent of water entering villages, and flooding of road areas along the Pinlaung junction, the old Yangon-Mandalay route and Hlekwin mountain. They also inspected the condition of cargo and passenger vehicles waiting on the roads, the continuous flow of water through the Kyaukcheck (Hsinthaychaung) creek bridge, and the flooding of houses along the routes of Wetkone and Pauktaw villages in Pobbathiri Township. The officials were directed to promptly clear any obstructions, such as fallen trees or debris on the roads caused by the floods, and to ensure proper drainage to reduce the water levels. It was emphasized that machinery and manpower should be used fully in operations, and additional equipment should be deployed from relevant ministries and military engineering units to quickly clear water channels. They were also instructed to expedite rescue and recovery operations and to provide encouragement to the flood-affected people.
Continuing their inspection, the Senior General and party arrived at the Ayemyinthaya (Hsinthaychaung) creek bridge to inspect the conditions where the retaining walls and road surfaces were damaged due to strong water currents. They observed the removal of tree trunks and logs obstructing the bridge pillars and instructed that all necessary measures should be taken to ensure proper water flow under all bridges and roads. The officials were directed to use machinery effectively to speed up operations and to clear the remaining debris and mud left on the flooded roads.
Furthermore, the Senior General instructed responsible officials to continue rescue and relief operations promptly in all areas affected by the flooding across the country. Efforts should also be made to quickly deliver relief and support materials to the affected people. He emphasized the need to connect with international organizations for swift acquisition of aid, similar to other countries affected by Typhoon Yagi, and to continue providing necessary support to the flood-affected citizens as soon as possible. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has also warned that, from this morning until September 15, there is a possibility of natural disasters such as heavy rain, strong winds, flash floods, and landslides.
Residents living near highland areas are advised to be alert to the risk of landslides, and those living near small rivers and streams should be aware of potential flooding. The department has also cautioned against possible disruptions in domestic river and air transport due to these weather conditions.
