Wed, 05/07/2025 - 12:17

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing yesterday morning inspected damaged parts at Hluttaw buildings caused by the earthquake in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory and gave necessary guidance.

He inspected the Pyithu Hluttaw building, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw building, the bridge and the archway to No 1 Gate and the Amyotha Hluttaw building. Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat and officials reported on damage to buildings.

After hearing the reports, the Senior General stressed the need to systematically repair the damaged Hluttaw buildings. These repair processes must be done in steps to ensure the long-term existence and strengthening of structures. The Senior General also underlined that it is necessary to keep records on damage and repair works systematically.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 12:03

Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing yesterday morning inspected the damage to the Maravijaya Buddha Image which is the tallest sitting marble Buddha image worldwide and other religious buildings in the precinct of the Buddha Park in Dekkhinathiri Township of Nay Pyi Taw.

At the office of the Image Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Board U Thant Swe, Union Minister for Energy U Ko Ko Lwin and Director of Military Engineers Maj-Gen Zaw Naing Oo, Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant and officials reported to the Senior General on daily and monthly checking the datum points and measurements of the Image and the throne, no change in datum points of these structures after the earthquake struck on 28 March, no unusual state of the image and the throne, some damaged parts at the terrace, Gandakuti chamber and slabs as well as some religious buildings, and repair process, systematic checking the structures of the Image in the shocks of earthquake with the use of modern technology to set records, systematic repair of some damaged parts and preventive measures for future earthquakes.

In his response to the reports, the Senior General said that from the very beginning of the construction of the Maravijaya Buddha Image, careful planning and modern engineering techniques were employed to ensure its long-term durability, resilience against strong winds, earthquake resistance, and protection from natural disasters. Hence, despite the occurrence of a severe earthquake, he continued that the image and its terrace did not experience any tilting, subsidence, or structural fractures. So, he added that officials have to oversee the repairing of only minor damages and systematically repair and maintain the structures as necessary.

The Senior General cordially greeted the pilgrims at the Buddha image. He inspected the precinct of the image and the passage of the Gandakuti chamber and maintenance of some damaged parts. He then beat the bell of the image.

The Senior General also looked into damaged parts of Aggadhipati Sasana Beikman and gave necessary guidance to officials.

In a meeting with the chair and members of the Image Board of Trustees, the Senior General said that the severe earthquake posed a significant challenge for engineers and engineering technologies. During such an extremely intense and rare earthquake, it is a great source of pride that the Maravijaya Buddha Image and its grand platform did not experience any tilting, subsidence, or cracks in their attached parts, and that damage to other religious structures was minimal. Hence, it is necessary to systematically maintain the Image and religious buildings for their long-term existence.

The Maravijaya Buddha Image was sculpted in separate sections using CNC machines in a step-by-step carving process. Modern engineering techniques were applied to ensure the structural integrity of the image during the assembly of its parts. To ensure the long-term durability of the sacred Buddha image, the foundation was designed to withstand up to 20,000 tonnes. It was also engineered to endure wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour from severe storms, withstand earthquakes of up to 8.8 magnitude—the highest recorded seismic activity in Myanmar – and remain unaffected by lightning strikes. The entire construction was meticulously calculated and executed from an engineering perspective to ensure its resilience and longevity. The connection of the large rocks of the Buddha Image was carried out using a combination of traditional methods and modern engineering techniques. The Maravijaya Buddha Image, standing 63 feet tall with an 18 feet high throne, reaching a total height of 81 feet, was successfully built and enshrined as the world’s largest Buddha image in conformity with the architectural style of the Yadanabon era, blended with modern construction techniques to create a magnificent and awe-inspiring structure. Remarkably, despite experiencing a powerful earthquake, the statue sustained no damage, demonstrating an impressive feat of engineering excellence.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:59

A ceremony to donate cash to be spent on relief and rehabilitation measures in the earthquake-affected areas took place at Tabaung ground in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon, attended by State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who accepted cash donations.

Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that it is necessary to take lessons from the past incidents of powerful earthquakes. With regard to the impacts of the earthquake, he continued that he immediately released an item of information about the earthquake. The information comprised the fact that as it would take a long time to carry out rescue and rehabilitation operations, it is necessary to seek foreign aid.

In a few hours after the earthquake struck, international rescue teams including the rescue squad from China arrived in Myanmar, bringing along with aid and supplies. They conduct rescue operations in the affected areas shortly. So, he expressed his thanks to these rescue teams for their efforts and the international community for providing relief aid. Likewise, the Senior General added that he made telephone contacts with the Indian Prime Minister, the ASEAN Alternate Chair Malaysian Prime Minister and the Pakistani Prime Minister to provide aid for Myanmar. Moreover, Heads of State and government from Cambodia, Brunei and Nicaragua including President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping sent messages of condolences and empathy to him with necessary aid.

The government has allocated K500 billion and has already begun relief and rescue operations. Regarding infrastructure, it has been found that some buildings were constructed without considering potential earthquake damage, which contributed to the unfortunate loss of lives, injuries, and missing persons in this recent natural disaster. As of 8 am on 1 April, according to collected data, the earthquake has resulted in 2,719 deaths, 4,521 injuries, and 441 missing persons. Rescue operations are being carried out with full effort.

During his visit to the earthquake-affected areas for inspection, he underscored that natural disasters such as earthquakes posing significant engineering challenges. From an engineering perspective, it became evident that buildings should be constructed systematically with careful planning.

In areas affected by severe damage and losses, the initial phase will involve clearing debris. In the second phase, efforts will be made to restore transportand communication routes as quickly as possible to their original state. The third phase will focus on the continued removal of hazardous structures that are at risk of collapsing. Through these measures, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts will be carried out. It is necessary to persistently work on rebuilding and restoring roads, bridges, and public infrastructure that were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake.

Then, at 12:51:02 pm, as part of a nationwide commemoration of the National Day of Mourning, the Senior General, along with council members, donors, philanthropists, and attendees, observed a moment of silence for one minute, paying tribute in unison with the people across the country.

The Senior General continued his speech, saying that regarding buildings, it is necessary to take action for the buildings that have been insured through certain insurance companies, including the payment of insurance premiums and the process of obtaining permission to demolish the buildings. The government will assist as much as possible in these efforts. Furthermore, for private construction projects, the government will also provide as much support as possible.

It is necessary to maintain stability and peace to carry out similar reconstruction activities. Only with stability and peace can further economic development be achieved. However, armed terrorists have been engaging in actions such as disrupting the power supply and other destructive activities. Due to the threat of natural disasters, armed groups have announced a ceasefire for two weeks. Tatmadaw has not launched any attacks on the camps of ethnic armed groups but has only responded when attacked. The government has continuously kept the door open to meet and discuss with all ethnic armed organizations to make effective peace efforts. All ethnic people should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of peace and development, and it is necessary to engage in honest and open discussions. Armed groups must go through the peace processes. As terrorists have chosen to resolve politically driven issues through violence, the government will continue with the plans laid down. Some ethnic armed organizations are not currently engaged in combat but are organizing and training for future attacks. Tatmadaw is aware of this and, as their actions are still considered attacks, the Tatmadaw will continue to take necessary security measures.

Then, the Senior General expressed thanks to all well-wishers, ministries and organizations for their contributions to rescue, relief and resettlement operations in the quake-affected areas.

The Senior General presented certificates of appreciation to well-wishers who donated cash.

Chairman of National Disaster Management Committee SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Members General Mya Tun Oo, Admiral Tin Aung San, General Nyo Saw, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, U Wunna Maung Lwin, General Maung Maung Aye, Porel Aung Thein, Mahn Nyein Maung, Dr Hmuh Thang, Dr Ba Shwe, Khun San Lwin, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung accepted cash donations and presented certificates of appreciation.

After the ceremony, the Senior General gave a tea party to those well-wishers. At the ceremony, well-wishers donated K104.44 billion and K12.4 billion worth of donated items, totalling K116.84 billion.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:49

INS Satpura (F-48) and INS Savitri (P-53) of the Indian Navy carrying rescue and relief materials and foodstuff to be provided as humanitarian aid for earthquake victims of Myanmar anchored at Thilawa Port of MITT in Yangon yesterday afternoon.

At the ceremony to hand over the rescue and relief equipment, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar explained the purpose of provisions and handed them to Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein.

Indian naval vessels carried instant noodles, fortified nutritious biscuits, plastic buckets, plastic cups, personal hygiene materials, tents, tarpaulin sheets, clothes, sanitation equipment and medicines, weighing some 40 tonnes.

At the ceremony, Tatmadaw members from Tatmadaw (Navy), staff from Kyauktan Township General Administration Department and firefighters loaded the relief supplies on board the vehicles. These materials will be sent to the quake-hit areas under the supervision of the Yangon Region government.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:41

Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn presided over a meeting to assist government employees and their families affected by the earthquake yesterday.

The Union minister first said the staff are facing difficulties in staying at their staff housing, and the officials need to prepare safe shelters for them. In the meantime, only the necessary number of employees required for office duties should go to the office, while the remaining staff should be accommodated in suitable locations. Moreover, officials should arrange and manage administrative matters, such as housing, healthcare, social welfare, food supply and access to water.

He then appreciated the staff’s efforts in broadcasting MRTV and publishing newspapers without fail and highlighted the need to communicate with the Disaster Management Centre — DMC daily to release important information and work together with the departments concerned.

The deputy minister and departmental officials reported on the assistance to staff and families, and news release.

The Union minister made proper instructions and concluded the meeting.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:33

State Administration Council Member Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Transport and Communications General Mya Tun Oo inspected the collapsed control tower, passenger lounge, buildings of the ministry and staff housing caused by the powerful earthquake at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport yesterday.

The Deputy Prime Minister also looked into damage to buildings and machinery at the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Department and the participation of Tatmadaw members, Myanmar Police Force members and firefighters in removing the machinery of the department.

General Mya Tun Oo inspected a temporary camp at Nay Pyi Taw Railway Station in Pobbathiri Township where families of Myanma Railways are relocated with accommodation, food and water supply as well as healthcare.

The Deputy Prime Minister also inspected damaged buildings of the Road Transport Administration Department (Ywataw), Office No 29, No 2 and No 5 and Myanma Posts and Telecommunications in Nay Pyi Taw where staff families are relocated temporarily. He fulfilled the needs of staff families of Myanma Railways and Transport Planning Department at No 8 Basic Education High School and Laykyun Mandaing Monastery.

Likewise, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye inspected the quake-affected staff housing of the Ministry of Defence yesterday and provided rice, cooking oil, eggs and other foodstuffs to staff for the second time and fulfilled their needs.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:20

Member of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Admiral Tin Aung San gave words of encouragement to earthquake-affected staff families of the Ministry of Electric Power, Ministry of Energy and Ministry at the Prime Minister’s Office in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Admiral Tin Aung San and Union Minister for Electric Power U Nyan Tun inspected the yard of Paunglaung hydropower station in Zeyathiri Township where staff members of the Ministry of Electric Power with accommodation difficulties due to the earthquake impacts are relocated and staff members at Kengtawng hall, Nancho hall and Shweli hall.

At Nay Pyi Taw Central Training School of the Ministry of Electric Power, the Admiral and party gave words of encouragement to staff and their families and inspected accommodation for the staff at the training lecture hall and hostels.

The Admiral and Union Minister for Energy U Ko Ko Lwin looked into loss and damage of the staff housing of the Ministry of Energy, rescue and relief measures, supply of water and running of a temporary clinic. They also viewed the opening of a temporary relief camp 1 for 48 households in Dekkhinathiri Township and camp 2 in Zabuthiri Township for 100 households.

At Gangaw housing in Zabuthiri Township, the Admiral and party met with earthquake-affected staff families of the Ministry at the Prime Minister’s Office and presented foodstuffs.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:16

There are nunneries which are unknown but suffered severe damage during the quake in Sagaing Hill and still lack public attention.

“There are barely any donors there because the lanes are very narrow and difficult to reach. So, I would like to request donors to give a little more effort to reach there,” said Maung Yahan Thathana Yingwin (Sagaing) Facebook page and mentioned the nun’s name list and contacts.

According to it, they are nunneries near Sitagu Thandi Kaya and at the foot of Ponnyashin Hill.

“22 nuns reside here. The building didn’t collapse but completely cracked including walls and entrances. A nun passed away and one has been still hospitalized. Water and food are needed,” said a nun from Gunawady nunnery, north of Wachet Hospital.

Another nun, Daw Dhammakesi from Mya Yadana nunnery located north of 10th Shweminwun lane said, it houses 55 nuns and rice and water for showering are necessary in an emergency and added that some young nuns have suffered nosebleeds due to extreme heat and half of a rice bag is just enough for two days.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:14

Due to the occurrence of a powerful earthquake on 28 March along with subsequent aftershocks, Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway and Bago regions, northeastern Shan State and Nay Pyi Taw Council Area have been affected. The earthquake caused damage to roads, bridges, and buildings, resulting in casualties and injuries among the people. Search and rescue operations are currently being carried out in the affected areas.

Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win yesterday morning inspected loss and damage in the earthquake in Aungban and Nyaungshwe townships, Shan State (South).

The Vice-Senior General inspected the collapse and damage of Hotel Aungban in Aungban and rescue operations with the use of heavy machinery. He gave instructions to a member of the Myanmar Engineering Council U Myo Myint and officials from the rescue teams.

He viewed the damage to the three-storey Sasana Hitakari Monastery in the precinct of Aungchantha Buddhism Learning Centre in Aungban and instructed officials to reconstruct buildings for convenient learning of monks and set the dangerous zone around the dangerous buildings.

The Vice-Senior General gave prompt construction for the buildings and convenience of meals for members of the Sangha to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paññavamsa of the monastery and donated alms. He also inspected the maintenance of Pitakat Gonyi Monastery and other buildings and attended to the needs of officials. A total of 375 members of the Sangha pursue religious literature at the monastery.

The Vice-Senior General comforted 28 injured civilians at the Tatmadaw hospital in Aungban and presented foodstuffs. He also viewed the drilling of a tube-well by Kanbawza Alin Group for providing safe water to the hospital and people and presented cash assistance to the group.

In Kayla Village of Nyaungshwe Township, the Vice-Senior General viewed round damaged houses and met residents at the monastery. He explained rehabilitation process with removal of damaged houses and buildings, checking dangerous buildings and plans to abolish them if necessary, reconstruction of least damaged buildings, distribution of basic foodstuffs and safe water under the arrangement of Shan State Cooperative Department at Nanpan Jetty in the hotel zone with a mobile water purifier, distribution of international aid, plans to distribute relief supplies and cash assistance provided by the National Disaster Management Committee to the affected people, prompt repair of monasteries and schools, and public participation in collection of data on loss and damage. He also fulfilled the needs of residents. He inspected five buildings of Kayla Village Basic Education High School (Branch) and coordinated with officials to repair the buildings.

The Vice-Senior General presented foodstuffs and cash awards to local Tatmadaw members, MPF members and firefighters in rescue and relief operations at the monastery in Zayatgyi Village.

At the Inlay PhaungdawOo Pagoda, the Vice-Senior General inspected cracks of slabs on the terrace, collapses of religious edifices, and dredging of silt in the lake for good flow of water.

After coordinating with local engineers, the Vice-Senior General instructed officials to repair the buildings to their original state and view the rescue work of Tatmadaw members, MPF members and firefighters.

Engineers and geologists stated that the main building is in good condition but it has some cracks. As such, Shan State DMC members and experts led by the Shan State chief minister will promptly implement the repair of the buildings.

At Nanpan-Inlay People’s Hospital, the Vice-Senior General comforted 18 civilians who sustained injuries in the earthquake and provided cash assistance.

In the meeting with Shan State DMC members at the hall of Eastern Command Headquarters, the Vice-Senior General recounted that the Prime Minister gave guidance to prompt clearing of debris, total demolishing of almost collapsed buildings, conducting soil tests for the construction of high-rise buildings in the rehabilitation process as part of taking lessons from the earthquake-affected buildings. Private buildings should be demolished systematically if they are no longer suitable for continued habitation. Similarly, government office buildings that are no longer fit for use should be fully demolished. Natural disasters such as annual floods, storms, and earthquakes have caused significant delays in the nation’s development efforts led by the government. However, since natural disasters are unavoidable, recovery and reconstruction efforts must be carried out. Therefore, the relevant authorities, departments, and the public are strongly urged to work together in the rebuilding process.

In the Inlay Lake region, houses built on water are constructed using only wooden stilts without a solid foundation on land. Due to the ageing of most structures over time, many houses collapse. When they do, they fall into the surrounding water, causing most fatalities to result from drowning. During rescue operations, injured individuals from damaged structures on land can be assisted. However, since the houses are built on water, many people drown, making rescue efforts particularly challenging. At present, 18 pagodas, three monasteries and nunnery, one bridge, and 157 public buildings were damaged by the earthquake whereas 65 people lost lives and 73 were injured in Shan State.

As a state-level Disaster Management Committee (DMC), various subcommittees have been established, including those for search and rescue, data collection, reconstruction, education, and healthcare. However, in carrying out data collection efforts, it is suggested that, instead of assigning personnel from disaster-affected areas, officials from other unaffected regions should be brought in for greater efficiency. Moreover, the Prime Minister has instructed that land selection be carried out and submitted for the construction of hospitals to support the healthcare needs of the local people in the affected villages of Kalaw and Nanpan. In the meantime, a temporary hospital will be set up at the Kalaw Monastery. Furthermore, a special mobile medical team consisting of specialists from Sao San Tun General Hospital and the Tatmadaw Hospital No 2/700 will be deployed starting on 1 April. It has been reported that due to the recent powerful earthquake, the nationwide death toll has reached nearly 1,700.

Attendees discussed loss and damage in the region, plans, supply of tents, drinking water and electricity, plans of DMC to distribute basic foodstuffs and cash assistance, safe accommodation for travellers at hotels, and security measures. The Vice-Senior General attended to the needs.

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Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:07

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and party, yesterday afternoon inspected the loss and damage at the medical wards and staff housing of Nay Pyi Taw People’s Hospital (300-bed) caused by the Mandalay earthquake.

The Senior General and party viewed round damaged parts of medical wards, intensive care units, staff housing, and operation theatres in the compound of the hospital where the Union Minister for Health and officials conducted the Senior General round the buildings.

In his response to the clarification, the Senior General stressed the need to systematically examine the damage and loss with the assistance of construction experts to repair necessary buildings and demolish dangerous buildings for the construction of new buildings. It is necessary to coordinate reconstruction measures among construction engineers and water and power supply officials to systematically calculate the construction of buildings with resilience to possible natural disasters. According to scrutiny over collapsed buildings in the earthquake, it is necessary to take lessons of dreadful losses in past events in which officials did not construct the buildings in line with the set standards. As such, officials need to supervise the construction of buildings rigorously.

As the buildings of Nay Pyi Taw People’s Hospital (300-bed) sustain a large number of the loss and damage caused by the earthquake, medical treatments are being given to patients at Zeyathiri Township Hospital (50-bed) temporarily.

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