Step up rehabilitation in disaster-hit areas

Myanmar has, within a relatively short period since 2021, had to endure and overcome severe natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic began in Myanmar in late 2020 and intensified in 2021. Through the joint efforts of Tatmadaw members and healthcare workers in prevention and treatment activities, the country was able to overcome the pandemic with comparatively limited losses.

On 14 May 2023, due to the extremely powerful Cyclone Mocha, there were casualties in Rakhine State, and numerous office buildings, residential houses, schools, hospitals, and religious buildings were severely damaged and destroyed. The Government and Tatmadaw jointly and immediately carried out rescue and reconstruction operations for the local people affected by the cyclone, with particular emphasis on restoring conditions to better than their original state.

Furthermore, on 11 September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi, which originated in the South China Sea, caused the heaviest rainfall in 70 years in Nay Pyi Taw, Kayah State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, and Mon State, resulting in widespread flooding. In response, Tatmadaw worked in cooperation with the Government and the public to carry out intensive rescue and rehabilitation operations. Similarly, following the extremely powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025, which caused casualties and extensive structural damage in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, and the Sagaing Region, rescue, clearance, and reconstruction efforts were carried out with the participation of both Tatmadaw members and the public.

At the ceremony held on 8 April to present commemorative awards in recognition of disaster rehabilitation efforts, senior officials who had dutifully carried out their responsibilities were formally acknowledged and honoured. The Head of State also stated that, in the future, whenever national emergencies arise, arrangements should be made for Tatmadaw to effectively contribute to the public interest; that Tatmadaw members are actively and energetically carrying out public welfare activities in their respective roles.

Through the cooperation of the Government, relevant departments, volunteer groups, and Tatmadaw members, the country was able to mobilize strong capabilities to overcome the difficulties it faced. Thanks to their rehabilitation efforts within a short period, people in Rakhine State affected by the cyclone were able to regain access to food, shelter, and necessities and quickly return to safe housing. Whenever emergencies arise, it is hereby reiterated with appreciation and recognition that efforts will be continuously and energetically made to serve the interests of the State and the people in cooperation with the public, in all respective sectors, in accord with the motto: “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People”.

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar