NAY PYI TAW March 29
As an extremely powerful earthquake on 28 March hit Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Bago Region, destroying roads, bridges, buildings and causing deaths and injuries, search and rescue operations are being carried out in respective areas.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and party went to Mandalay Region, which was hardest hit by the earthquake, and inspected the damage and losses first by helicopter this early morning.
Then, the Senior General heard reports on damage and losses and search and rescue operations submitted by Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Myat Kyaw, the commander of the Central Command and officials at the meeting hall of the command and gave instructions, saying search and rescue operations must be carried out as quickly as possible while those who sustained injuries must be sent to nearest hospitals immediately, where military and civilian physicians must provide healthcare services to them. It is also necessary to offer assistance to bury those who died during the disaster. Responsible officials are required to provide accommodation for those who face difficulties for a place to live as soon as possible in the same ways as measures were taken during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Damage to buildings that are dangerous must be cleared quickly and systematically. Responsible officials are required to ensure that new buildings to be constructed meet required qualities and standards by taking lessons from the disaster.
Measures must be taken as quickly as possible to provide water, electricity, accommodation and food to people in areas hit by the earthquake. Airports and runways must be repaired as best and quickly as possible in respective states and regions in order to carry out relief operations effectively. The Senior General also gave other necessary instructions.
Then, the Senior General inspected the damage along the palace wall and the main building of Mandalay University destroyed by fire during the earthquake and heard reports of responsible officials. The Senior General gave instructions on searching and rescuing people who are trapped in damaged buildings, carrying out relief operations according to their priorities, the needs to reconstruct buildings including education and health facilities quickly and efficiently and other requirements.
Then, the Senior General inspected measures taken to transform the former airport in Chanmyathazi Township into a temporary hospital and a relief camp and gave necessary instruction to officials.
Afterward, the Senior General inspected damaged ancient buildings including Paho Tower and Swedaw Tower and gave necessary instructions on reports of officials. Then, the Senior General and party inspected the damaged palace wall near Hse She Gate and gave necessary instructions.
Then, the Senior General and party proceeded to Mandalay General Hospital and inspected healthcare services provided to those who were injured during the earthquake before speaking words of comfort for the injured. The Senior General gave instructions on provision of healthcare services as soon as possible with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Medical Services, measures on transferring patients to defence services hospitals and temporary hospitals and other instructions.
The Senior General and members visited the temporary shelter at the corner of 73rd and 30th streets in Chanayethazan Township, where the Senior General addressed the needs raised by officials. During the visit, the Senior General presented 16 boxes of relief supplies donated by the Disaster Management Department under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement to those affected by the earthquake and offered warm words of encouragement.
Next, the Senior General and members inspected the collapsed condition of the eastern spire of the Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image and the collapsed condition of the Sagaing Bridge (Inwa) on the old Sagaing-Mandalay Road. The Senior General ordered that the railway connecting Mandalay-Myitkyina be repaired as soon as possible, as there is only one railway track at the moment, and other necessary measures.
The Senior General and members visited the Masoeyein Taikthit Monastery in Mahaaungmye Township to inspect the damage caused by the earthquake. During the visit, they listened to the guidance of the Maha Nayaka Sayadaw of the monastery, Bhaddanta Wasetha Bhiwansa, and instructed the responsible personnel to ensure the provision of water and electricity.
The Senior General also emphasized the need to quickly clear the collapsed buildings and carry out search and rescue operations to prevent any potential danger to the surrounding environment.
Then, the Senior General and members visited the Extension Hall of the Pariyatti Sathanahita Association in Mandalay and observed the search and rescue operations for the monks who were trapped in the ruins of the four-storey extension hall that had collapsed due to the earthquake, and instructed the responsible persons to expedite the relief and rescue operations.
The Senior General and members visited Sky Villa in Aungmyethazan Township and inspected the extensive damage caused by the earthquake, and coordinated with officials to provide relief efforts as soon as possible.
The Senior General met with Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Sagaing Region Chief Minister U Myat Kyaw, and other officials at the meeting room of the Central Command.
During the discussion, the Senior General emphasized the importance of thoroughly scrutinizing and collecting accurate records of deaths, injuries, and missing persons in each region and the need to ensure prompt medical treatment by distributing the injured to all hospitals, clinics, and temporary medical facilities.
The Senior General also highlighted the necessity for military and civilian hospitals, along with health workers, to collaborate effectively in carrying out relief efforts. Additionally, the Senior General urged the swift removal and clearing of collapsed and damaged buildings to ensure the safety of the surrounding areas. Providing support for those living in temporary accommodations was also identified as a priority.
The Senior General called for the rapid reconstruction of the Mandalay University main building, preserving its original structure while ensuring it is strong and safe. Furthermore, the Senior General emphasized the need to address food, housing, and other social issues to support those affected by the earthquake.
We must continue to vigorously rebuild and restore roads and bridges, State-owned buildings that were damaged and lost due to the earth
quake, and we must use a lot of money, manpower and vehicles. We must also continue to carry out cleanup and rehabilitation work quickly.
We must also systematically record and distribute relief materials to all those who were affected by the earthquake and those who deserve them. All responsible parties need to work diligently to ensure that there are no duplicate records and that there are no leftovers, and that they need to take action as soon as possible to prioritize and address many rehabilitation issues, the Senior General said.
Then, the Union Ministers and officials accompanying the delegation explained the status of relief and rehabilitation activities in the earthquake-affected areas, information and awareness-raising activities, and the needs of each department, and the Senior General coordinated the necessary measures.
After that, the Senior General and members departed from Mandalay by helicopter and inspected the damage caused by the earthquake in Mandalay and the collapsed Sagaing Bridge (Inwa) railway overpass.
Then, they arrived at Mandalay International Airport and inspected the minor damage to the runway due to the earthquake.
Based on the presentations of the officials, the Senior General ordered the immediate repair of the damaged areas and other necessary measures to enable more effective relief and rescue activities.
According to the latest figures collected so far, a total of 1,644 people died, 3,408 were injured, and 139 are missing in all the earthquake-affected areas nationwide, and detailed figures are still being collected.
Similarly, Union Ministers who accompanied the Senior General including Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, Union Minister for Religious Affairs U Tin Oo Lwin, Union Minister for Education Dr Nyunt Pe, and Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win, also visited the affected areas and provided necessary assistance, according to their respective ministries.
