National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issues News Release No 1

The National Disaster PreparednessCentral Committee issued News Release No 1 today.

The News Release No 1 is as follows:

News Release No 1

1. In the Union of Myanmar, a severe cyclone “Nargis” hit the coastal areas of Ayeyawady Division on 2nd and 3rd May 2008 causing tremendous casualties and devastation and also swept Yangon Division causing loss and damages.

2. The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee held its meeting at 8.30 am on 3rd May 2008 in Nay Pyi Taw and the Central Committee Chairman the Prime Minister and member Ministers rushed to the storm-hit regions to provide close supervision on rescue and relief works for the victims.

3. The Government immediately allocated 5 billion kyats as initial fund and over 20 billion kyats have been spent so far. Moreover, the Government accepted donations from local and foreign wellwishers immediately and the donations were accepted as follows.

(a) Cash amounting to 5.588 billion kyats and relief items worth 1.79 billion kyats totalling 7.378 billion kyats from internal wellwishers up to 16th May.

(b) Cash amounting to 1.62 million US dollars and 2,096.71 tons of relief supplies from foreign donors up to 16th May.

4. However, some foreign news agencies broadcast false information and thus some international and regional organizations are assuming that the Government has been rejecting and preventing

aids for storm victims. Those who have been to Myanmar understand the actual fact.

5. Hence, the information is released that the Government and the people of Myanmar with thanks are accepting donations in cash and kind for the storm victims.

National Disaster Preparedness

Central Committee

Dated: 17-5-2008
Place: Nay Pyi Taw