President inspects Ayeyawady flood-hit areas, orders faster relief and embankment repairs

 

President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing yesterday inspected flood-affected areas in Ayeyawady Region, where heavy rainfall and damage to the Ngawun River embankment triggered widespread flooding, and instructed authorities to expedite rescue, relief, rehabilitation and embankment repair operations.

The President conducted an aerial inspection of flooded villages, residential areas and farmland along the Pathein River to Hinthada after severe flooding struck Laymyethna Township and neighbouring parts of Hinthada, Yekyi and Kyonpyaw townships. He was briefed by officials and he directed them to prioritize immediate assistance for flood victims and rehabilitation efforts while strengthening disaster preparedness to minimize future losses.

Heavy rainfall caused a breach beneath the Ngawun River embankment, resulting in subsidence of the embankment and inundation of Laymyethna town, nearby villages and surrounding townships. Government agencies, the Tatmadaw, security forces, local authorities, social organizations and volunteers have been carrying out rescue operations and relocating displaced residents to temporary shelters.

The President also inspected the damaged embankment at Mile Post 25/3 in Laymyethna Township, where emergency work is underway to prevent further erosion and seal deep-water channels. The repair programme includes the installation of geo bags, geotextiles, sand-filled barriers and steel sheet piles, with the work being jointly undertaken by the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Transport, and Construction, together with technical experts and the Ayeyawady Region Government.

He instructed officials to complete the engineering works as quickly as possible and ensure relief supplies reached affected communities without delay.

Later, the President travelled to Laharpa Village in Hinthada Township, where flood victims from Laymyethna Township are being sheltered at the village monastery. He met the evacuated residents, expressed sympathy for their losses and assured them that the government would provide all possible assistance to support relief and recovery.

He encouraged residents to work together to rebuild their livelihoods after floodwaters recede and said Ayeyawady Region’s strong agricultural potential would facilitate regional recovery from the disaster. He also called for systematic tree planting, including mangroves and coconut trees, to reduce riverbank erosion and improve resilience against natural disasters, while stressing the importance of better river management.

The President said more than K23 billion had been donated during a recent national fundraising ceremony for flood relief, describing the public response as encouraging.

He also urged parents to ensure their children return to school once flood-affected schools reopen, saying education is essential for developing knowledge, discipline and responsible future citizens.

During the visit, the President presented relief supplies to representatives of flood victims. The Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement also handed over K19.14 million in financial assistance for vulnerable groups affected by the flooding in Laymyethna Township.

The President concluded his visit by inspecting mobile healthcare services provided for displaced residents and instructed health authorities to continue delivering essential medical care at temporary shelters.

MNA/ST