Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Deputy Prime Minister and Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, led a delegation that included SAC Members Admiral Tin Aung San and Dr Aung Kyaw Min, Union Ministers U Ko Ko Hlaing, U Maung Maung Ohn, Dr Myo Thein Kyaw, and Dr Thet Khaing Win, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, and other relevant officials. They arrived at Sittway Airport yesterday to assess the ongoing rehabilitation processes and express their gratitude to the departmental staff, rescue teams, and Parahita organizations involved in the cleanup efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State.
The Vice-Senior General and party first visited the Kaladan Multi-Modal Port of Sittway, where they inspected the arrival of cargo ships carrying relief items and rehabilitation materials intended for the storm-affected population. They also observed the transport of these essential supplies to support the rescue teams on the ground.
At Sittway University, Rector Dr Khin Maung Zaw and officials explained the Vice-Senior General on the progress made in repairing the convocation hall, as well as the resumption of third- and fourth-year courses, and first and second-year honours. In response, the Vice-Senior General emphasized the importance of completing the roof repairs within one month while maintaining the university’s unique characteristics.
He also interacted with master’s students and inspected the relief operations being carried out within the university premises.
Continuing their assessment, the Vice-Senior General and his delegation inspected the ring road of Sittway Beach (Shukhintha road) and the maintenance work being done on the 12,900-foot-long road from post office junction to Sittway Hotel. During a briefing at the hall, Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant provided an update on the progress of road maintenance, and the Vice-Senior General offered appropriate instructions.
Next, they proceeded to Sittway General Hospital (500-bed) where Medical Superintendent Dr Kyi Lwin reported on the damage sustained by hospital buildings and staff housing due to Cyclone Mocha. The Vice-Senior General provided necessary directives in response to the situation. During their visit, they also paid respects to Done Pike Sayadaw Bhaddanta Wunna, a 105-year-old monk with 85 vasa, receiving medical treatment at the hospital, and enquired about his well-being. Furthermore, they offered comfort to the local patients and inspected the hemodialysis unit.
Their itinerary then took them to No 1 BEHS Sittway, where they met with students and acknowledged their dedication amidst the challenging circumstances.
Finally, the Vice-Senior General attended a ceremony held at Sasana Beikman of Lawkananda Pagoda to honour the departmental staff, relief teams, and Parahita organizations involved in the cleanup efforts following Cyclone Mocha. During the event, the Vice-Senior General expressed the government’s appreciation for the Myanmar Police Force, Red Cross Parahita, Fire Brigade, and Parahita organizations that participated in the rescue operations, highlighting their invaluable contributions. He mentioned that international countries, including ASEAN, anticipated significant losses, but the proactive measures and establishment of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) on 8 May, based on lessons learned from the Nargis storm, helped mitigate the impact. The Vice-Senior General stressed the importance of continued cooperation and unity in the rehabilitation process, emphasizing that the strength of the nation lies within its collective efforts.
As a gesture of recognition, the Vice-Senior General, along with SAC Member Dr Aung Kyaw Min, presented awards to the departmental staff, relief teams, and Parahita organizations for their exceptional efforts in clearing the storm debris caused by Cyclone Mocha.
Lastly, the Vice-Senior General and his delegation paid homage to Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Bhaddanta Nanda Siri of Nanda Rama Pariyatti Buddhist Learning Centre in Magyeemyaing Ward of Sittway, making donations as an act of reverence. — MNA/KTZH
