Well-wishers make donations for relief and rehabilitation activities in areas hit by typhoon Yagi-related floods at third donation ceremony
NAY PYI TAW October 9
Well-wishers made cash donations for relief and rehabilitation activities in the areas in Myanmar hit by typhoon Yagirelated floods at the third donation ceremony held at Mingala Hall of Yangon Region government office this afternoon. Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing accepted the donations and spoke words of thanks.
Also present were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SAC members, union ministers, union level officials, the Yangon Region chief minister, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Yangon command commander, well-wishers, ministry officials and social welfare organizations.
A video clip “hands join together with noble spirit to overcome natural disaster” on the natural disaster, search, rescue and aid provision activities was screened.
Cash donations presented
Ministries, region/state governments, civil servants, local and foreign donors presented cash and in-kind for relief and rehabilitation activities in floodhit areas. The Senior General accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour.
Then, ministries, region/state governments, civil servants, local and foreign donors presented cash donations. The SAC Joint Secretary, SAC members General Mya Tun Oo, Admiral Tin Aung San, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, and General Nyo Saw, union ministers Admiral Moe Aung, Dr Kan Zaw, U Maung Maung Ohn, U Khin Maung Yi, U Myo Thant, Chief Minister U Soe Thein accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour.
Occurrence of natural disaster and words of thanks for donations
In his words of thanks, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing wished auspiciousness for all the well wishers there and explained the Yagi-related floods and inspections tours to carry out relief and rehabilitation at the earliest possible time. He then said rehabilitation activities will be carried out with greater momentum in the disaster-hit areas.
As the government is carrying out the activities with higher acceleration and the well-wishers, on their part, are also making donations and taking part in relief and rehabilitation undertakings to the best of their ability.
At the donation ceremonies to carry out relief and rehabilitation activities in the flood-hit areas with vigor and speed, a total of Ks-32 billion was received at the first ceremony, over Ks-10 billion at the second ceremony.
Well-wishers were making donations amidst the many hardships, and a surprisingly large amount of donations were received.
The State thanked all the well-wishers for their generous donations at this ceremony.
Every time a natural disaster hits the country, individuals and local and foreign organizations never fail to make donations.
Likewise, welfare organizations and individual persons are also making donations on their own in other areas of the country and their contributions are significantly high.
The State also acknowledges and thanks them.
When some places of Rakhine State were devastated by cyclone Mocha, well-wishers joined hands with the government in providing donations. Pure goodwill and positive attitude of the citizens to make donations in all social affairs is always visible and honourable.
During this process, floodaffected individuals had to flee with only the items they could quickly access when the sudden flood struck. Consequently, the damage incurred per individual and per family had risen. Due to the sudden and rapid flow of large downhill streams at night, some individuals in areas that had not experienced a flood for many years did not have time to evacuate and tragically lost their lives. This is the worst flood damage our country has experienced. Residences, schools, department buildings, streets, bridges, and electricity towers were also destroyed.
Similarly, many farm animals lost their lives.
In carrying out rehabilitation work in flood-affected areas, the process will be completed faster if donors contribute in the way they can.
So far, the total amount of donations for the people affected by the floods has exceeded Ks-50 billion.
The state is undertaking necessary rehabilitation work in response to the natural disasters that occur every year. Currently, the water level in Inle Lake has not yet decreased.
Similarly, due to the significant inflow of water in Lawpita and Upper Paunglaung, electricity generation has not yet resumed.
We must take the time to carry out the rehabilitation work. During heavy rainfall, water entered the irrigation canals, thereby ensuring sufficient water availability for cultivation.
As the state provides funding for the recovery of damaged agricultural projects, I would like to appeal to the generous donors present at the ceremony to consider making contributions based on their capabilities.
If this can be achieved, the affected agricultural projects and manufacturing activities will be able to resume. Therefore, if you are interested, I encourage you to provide support and engage in this work.
We can achieve export growth only if domestic production is robust. Therefore, we need to support our country’s key manufacturing sectors, including agriculture and livestock breeding.
The extraction and utilization of the country’s natural resources are not being carried out due to replenishment limitations.
About half of the country's population is engaged in agriculture and livestock breeding.
Therefore, to develop the export sector, I encourage you to support and make efforts to improve the manufacturing industry.
In terms of non-trade, there are revenues generated from the relevant sector. At present, due to a drop in foreign investments, business owners should collaborate to develop domestic manufacturing.
Therefore, I would like to suggest investing in the agriculture and livestock breeding sectors.
The state is working to reopen schools that were temporarily closed because of the flood.
Just as the state is working on education, donors can also contribute other necessary furniture and appliances.
In addition to the rehabilitation efforts for those affected by the floods, it is essential to address the psychological trauma they have experienced.
We are assessing how to compensate for the damages they have suffered as much as possible.
Today's donations for flood-affected areas are invaluable.
We are currently conducting a census of the population and household data. Also, we are making preparations to ensure the election can be held. We are not engaging in politics; rather, we are working for the benefit of the country. The state would like to express its special gratitude to the generous donors for their presence and contributions to the country's efforts in response to the natural disaster.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and party warmly greeted the donors and served them tea.
More than Ks-11.97 billion in donations and rehabilitation materials were received from donors at donation distribution events held today at Mingalar Hall, Yangon Region Government Office, to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected areas.