Relief and rehabilitation efforts continue vigorously in earthquake-affected areas

ONGOING rescue and rehabili­tation operations are escalating in the earthquake-affected areas thanks to concerted efforts of Tatmadaw members, Myan­mar Police Force members, firefighters, rescue teams from foreign countries, departmental personnel, social organizations and residents.

In this regard, yesterday, Lt-Gen Thet Pon from the Of­fice of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) and officials attended a coordination meeting held at the Sagaing University of Education in Parami Ward of Sagaing to discuss accommodation, food, and convenience for teachers, and students who are retaking the Grade-12 exam.

First, Lt-Gen Thet Pon gave an opening speech before ad­dressing the needs presented by the relevant officials. Then, he and other officials inspected the earthquake-damaged Pattamya Pagoda and religious buildings at Taungphila Mountain in Sagaing and coordinated with officials to provide necessary assistance.

Lt-Gen Thet Pon and party also oversaw the allocation of K473.750 million in cash assis­tance for earthquake victims of six wards in Sagaing, provided by the Department of Disaster Management, to cover for rice, construction materials, and aid, as well as kitchen utensils sup­plied by the AHA Centre, at the 700th Anniversary Gymnasium in Parami Ward, Sagaing. Af­terward, he visited the people at the 700th Anniversary Gymna­sium Earthquake Relief Camp, inspected the construction of affordable housing prototypes, and coordinated with officials to address their needs. He also coordinated with officials at the earthquake relief camp at Basic Education High School No 1 in Poetan Ward, Sagaing, to ensure proper management of health issues and discipline.

Similarly, Lt-Gen Myo Moe Aung from the Office of the Com­mander-in-Chief (Army) and of­ficials visited the collapsed Inwa Bridge to inspect debris removal and construction efforts, coor­dinating procedures to ensure safety during the work and at the site. The officials were then instructed to maintain daily records of the debris removal progress and were provided with refreshments. At Shwebo Mon­astery in Mahaaungmyay Town­ship, he presented relief supplies such as rice, oil, and chickpeas to earthquake-affected households at temporary relief camps.

Lt-Gen Myo Moe Aung in­spected the arrangements for providing drinking water and healthcare to earthquake-affect­ed people, instructing officials to prevent the spread of infec­tious diseases, ensure fire safe­ty, properly dispose of waste in landfills, take measures against illnesses like fever and diar­rhea caused by untimely rains, maintain systematic records of temporary residents, and coor­dinate and implement necessary actions. He also warmly greet­ed and encouraged the affected residents.

Lt-Gen Soe Tint Naing from the Office of the Command­er-in-Chief (Army) and officials visited the Shwekyetkya Pagoda in Amarapura Township, Man­dalay, to keep sacred objects to the reliquary of the pagoda and make donations. Afterward, he monitored the progress of re­construction work on religious buildings destroyed by the earth­quake, inspected them, and co­ordinated as needed.

Lt-Gen Myo Thant Naing from the Office of the Com­mander-in-Chief (Army) and officials inspected the produc­tion of high-quality bricks mixed with coal dust at the Myanmar Thantaw Myat Company’s brick factory in Kyaukse Township. He instructed the factory officials to prioritize selling bricks to earth­quake-affected areas, improve quality, and increase production, while coordinating and imple­menting necessary measures based on officials’ presentations.

He then visited the Thukh­isan Company’s coal mine in Phaukseikpin Village-tract, Kyaukse District, to inspect coal storage conditions and the supply of raw coal to cement factories. The company was in­structed to ensure high-quality and timely coal supply to cement factories, prevent environmental damage, implement a proper fire safety system, and coordinate necessary measures based on officials’ reports.

Afterward, he inspected the systematic sale of construction materials at special factory pric­es to earthquake-affected resi­dents in Kume Township. At the MRS brick factory of Mandalay Rising Star Company Limited in Paukmyaing Village-tract, Myittha Township, he inspected brick production conditions. He instructed that priority be given to selling the factory’s bricks to earthquake-affected areas and emphasized improving the qual­ity and increasing production. — MNA/TH

Lt-Gen Myo Thant Naing observes sale of cement, steel bars, and plywood at special factory prices for earthquake-affected people in Kume Township.