Myanmar Government Intensifies Earthquake Recovery Efforts as NDMC Reviews Rescue and Rehabilitation Progress
Yangon, The Gulf Observer: Myanmar’s National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) convened in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday to review progress and coordinate ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck several regions of Myanmar earlier this month. The meeting was chaired by NDMC Chairman and State Administration Council Vice-Chairman, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Senior General Soe Win highlighted the progress in search and rescue operations across affected areas, particularly in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, Bago Region, Sagaing Region, and Mandalay Region, where operations are still underway. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Assessment, Search & Rescue Level (ASR Level) Standards to ensure effective emergency response.
A total of 3,763 deaths and 5,107 injuries have been reported, with 110 individuals still missing as of 25 April. The government confirmed that 2,095 emergency personnel from 26 countries have arrived through 147 aircraft, seven ships, and 23 vehicles, bringing with them 3,833.84 tonnes of aid, including 2,635.92 tonnes of relief supplies and 1,197.12 tonnes of rescue equipment.
Temporary medical facilities have been established by international teams in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw to provide critical healthcare services to the injured. Meanwhile, local and international donations have poured in to support recovery efforts, totaling more than K115.876 billion in local currency and foreign donations including over US$2.437 million, 5 million Korean won, 15 million Indian rupees, 2 million Thai baht, and S$3,150.
Vice-Senior General Soe Win confirmed that financial assistance is being distributed across affected regions, with Sagaing Region receiving K50 billion, Mandalay Region K60 billion, Nay Pyi Taw K10 billion, and Shan State K5 billion. These funds are being used for rescue operations, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting displaced populations.
Preliminary assessments as of 24 April indicate extensive structural damage: over 63,000 homes, 6,700 schools, 5,000 monasteries and nunneries, 5,342 pagodas, 613 other religious buildings, 370 hospitals and clinics, as well as numerous roads, bridges, dams, and reservoirs have been affected.
According to NDMC data, 128,965 households—comprising over 629,000 individuals—were impacted. Of these, 48,656 people are currently housed in 135 rescue camps, while others have either relocated independently or remained in partially damaged but habitable homes. The government is developing a targeted financial support plan for rebuilding based on the extent of damage and previous disaster management experiences.
To expedite temporary housing, modular homes and bashas are being constructed, particularly for displaced government staff. Damaged staff housing has been color-coded to indicate the severity of structural compromise, and only buildings meeting earthquake-resilient standards (up to magnitude 8) will be approved for new construction.
Importation of essential building materials has been authorized to facilitate reconstruction, and the government has committed to covering verified construction costs. Plans are underway to increase cement production starting 15 May, with prices capped at K17,000 per bag to stabilize the market.
Vice-Senior General Soe Win urged officials to collaborate with international experts to adopt earthquake-resistant building designs and ensure transparent, timely distribution of all aid. He also emphasized the importance of issuing citizenship scrutiny cards to quake victims to facilitate access to government support.
Senior government officials, regional chief ministers, and departmental heads joined the meeting, with several attending via videoconference from affected areas. The NDMC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable recovery for all earthquake-impacted communities.
