Ministers inspect earthquake and tidal wave-hit regions in Kawthoung

YANGON, 17 Jan— Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, WHO Resident Representative Dr Agostino Borra, UNICEF Resident Representative Ms Caroll C Long and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Ms Akiko Suzaki arrived in Kawthoung on 14 January.

At the hall of Kawthoung Station Minister Dr Kyaw Myint explained about emergency response and management of tsunami (Myanmar) regarding earthquake and tidal waves occurred on 26 December. He said the day on which earthquake occurred was 26 December, a fullmoon day of Nadaw. Being a religious day, no one went out fishing on that day. It was the cause of less damage and casualities. He told the officials about emergency rescue operations and health care services for those in tidal wave-hit areas with the use of charts.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa explained measures being taken for relief and resettlement and Head of Taninthayi Division Health Department Dr Swe Win presented a report on loss and damage and health care services. The ministers replied to queries raised by officials of UN agencies. Next, the minister inspected damage of Pulone Tone Tone Bridge and reconstruction of the bridge.

They also met the victims at the primary school in Aw-gyi Village in Kawthoung Township. The ministers explained to them the government’s goodwill, measures taken by the ministries and long-term assistance to them.

WHO Resident Representative and UNICEF Resident Representative said they were glad to witness true situation and the government’s emergency rescue operations for the victims.

The ministers met officials and villagers of Aw-gyi village and fulfilled the requirements. The also inspected damage caused by tidal wave.

The Minister for Health and party inspected Kawthoung District People’s Hospital and the newly-built 100-bed People’s Hospital.