El Nino Prompts Multi-Hazard Readiness Plan
VICE-PRESIDENT U Nyo Saw presided over a coordination meeting on preparedness for natural disasters that may occur as a result of the El Niño in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, he highlighted the directives of the President to place emphasis on necessary preparations for adverse weather conditions that could arise from the El Niño phenomenon. He noted that El Niño could lead to extreme heat and drought, while sudden storms and unusually heavy rainfall could also occur.
He stressed that preparations for El Niño should not focus solely on drought, but should adopt a multi-hazard preparedness approach to address a range of potential disasters. According to meteorological and climate information, the El Niño phenomenon could continue to strengthen in Myanmar during 2026 and remain influential until early 2027. He also emphasized the need to select and grow heat-tolerant and short-duration crop varieties to minimize crop losses caused by reduced water availability for agriculture. Measures should also be taken to establish heat shelters and prevent heat-related illnesses among people and animals, dehydration and diseases associated with water shortages.
He then discussed the possible reduction in electricity generation resulting from lower water inflows into reservoirs and dams, and the potential use of solar power systems as an alternative.
He called for preparedness measures to be linked with potential impacts and to include disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response measures.
He further pointed out that El Niño could pose multi-sectoral risks affecting food and water security, agriculture, health, the economy and social life. Therefore, he urged relevant officials to undertake region-specific and sector-specific preparations for natural disasters that may arise from the ongoing El Niño conditions and their subsequent impacts.
The Union ministers, Nay Pyi Taw Council, region and state chief ministers and deputy ministers reported on the preparedness, ongoing work plans and cooperation for natural disasters as a result of El Niño.
The Vice-President heard the reports and gave proper instructions. — MNA/KTZH
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