Myanmar’s National Disaster Management Committee Reviews Earthquake Response and Reconstruction Efforts
Yangon, The Gulf Observer: The National Disaster Management Committee held its Meeting 4/2025 yesterday afternoon at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw. The meeting was chaired by Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council and Deputy Prime Minister, Vice-Senior General Soe Win, who reviewed national recovery efforts following the devastating Mandalay earthquake.
In his address, Vice-Senior General Soe Win reported the official toll from the disaster: 3,739 lives lost, 5,104 injured, and 67 persons still missing. The earthquake also damaged or destroyed over 63,000 residential structures, as well as schools, pagodas, stupas, roads, and bridges across the affected regions.
International aid efforts have been significant, with 2,472 tonnes of relief supplies and medicines delivered from 19 countries via 100 aircraft, 8 ships, and 2 vehicles. In total, over MMK 144 billion has been donated by individuals and organizations at home and abroad, alongside USD 5.1 million and other foreign currencies.
Following guidance from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to issue commemorative honorary medals to international partners for their contributions. Records of their relief and rescue operations will also be documented.
Relief Distribution and Financial Support
To date, MMK 264.656 billion has been expended for emergency relief, including three months’ worth of food rations for over 130,000 staff and dependents across 45 ministries, construction of temporary classrooms, and repairs to staff housing and government buildings.
An additional MMK 20 billion has been allocated for emergency assistance, accommodation, and food support for 35,922 Grade 12 students and 6,729 teachers affected by the earthquake. This includes exam support, lodging for senior teachers, and replacement of educational materials.
Reconstruction and Housing
Damage assessments are ongoing for 39,603 private homes, with support to be provided based on damage levels. Meanwhile, 449 staff households, comprising 1,786 people, lost their homes and belongings. The government is coordinating the delivery of daily essential items for these households.
In response to a request made to China, 4,500 prefabricated houses and 500 prefabricated offices have been received to accommodate displaced staff ahead of the monsoon season. China also supplied 7.9 million gallons of diesel and 6 million gallons of gasoline, which are being used for transport and reconstruction.
Support for Businesses and Economic Recovery
The earthquake affected 306 MSMEs across Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing Region, and Mandalay Region. Restoration of these enterprises is underway, with financial aid planned through the State Economic Promotion Funds, MSME funds, and bank loans at concessional rates. Authorities have called on private banks to extend support to genuine small business owners.
Vice-Senior General Soe Win emphasized that all rebuilt structures must be earthquake-resistant up to 8.0 on the Richter scale, with proper soil testing. He also urged the National Disaster Management Centre and the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology to monitor ten-year trends in natural disasters for better preparedness.
Committee Reports and Next Steps
Reports were presented by Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung and Dr Soe Win on security, rule of law, regional rehabilitation, and foreign aid coordination, while Union Minister Gen Maung Maung Aye detailed construction of temporary facilities and inspections of damaged infrastructure.
Attendees discussed disease control, transport infrastructure repair, aid distribution, restarting cement and steel industries, and the availability of military aircraft and helicopters for logistics.
