The rainy season, which always brings strong winds, torrential rains, floods and storms, is coming to Myanmar. Also, diseases such as waterborne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue fever occur in the rainy season.
When we make adequate preparations for disasters and carry out preventive measures against these diseases this year, the COVID-19 disease must also be taken into consideration, as our previous year’s management system needs to be changed, to comply with strategies to block the spread of the Coronavirus disease.
Until last year, we drew up response and management plans to tackle the more commonly seen natural disasters during the monsoon season, which included cyclones, floods, flash floods, lightning, collapsing of embankments, and landslides.
Weather experts predict that Myanmar would see less rain than average in the coming season, along with higher temperatures. Due to this situation, rural areas are likely to experience shortages of drinking water.
They also predict that heavy floods should not be expected this season, but they warned that isolated heavy rainfall can trigger flash floods and landslides this year.
There are also predictions that storms can cross our coastal areas. Storms are the disasters that normally occur during the rainy season.
Our preparations and preparedness for storms during the period of the COVID-19 crisis must take into account the quarantine facilities, aid for Stay-At-Home programmes, prevention and containment measures against the COVID-19 disease at internally displaced camps, etc.
We must continue to diligently make preparations for these possible situations, which are predictable.
We are confident that collaboration and cooperation between experts and regional authorities will ensure effective management plans for natural disasters during the COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile, people are advised to be alerted to the disasters and follow the directives of the weather bureau.
We cannot prevent natural disasters, but we can reduce the impacts from them through our being properly prepared. People must be alerted to approaching disasters, including storms and earthquakes, and should prepare “full precautions” and take “necessary action” to protect themselves and their property from gale-force winds and lightning.
In view of this, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has also established hotline numbers 067-340466 and 067-3404777 to help the victims of disasters.
GNLM
