On May 4, the Prime Minister General Thein Sein held relief arrangements in Yangon and the Prime Minister arrived in Pathein on May 6 to personally coordinate the relief work.  On the same day seven relief camps were set up.  Respective ministers led relief tasks in towns of Labutta, Mawlamyinggyun and Bogalay and surrounding areas which were most affected by the cyclone.  In Pyapon and Kyaiklat, authorities performed the relief tasks.   Likewise the most affected towns, in other neighboring towns such as Twantay, Kyunchan and Kawhmu which were also hit by the storm, relief and medical treatment work began on May 4 and the situation in these towns have returned to normal since May 8.  In the first phase, preference of relief tasks such as distribution of medicines, food and providing of tents were being carried out.  In the second phase, efforts are being made for fulfilling the shelter need of the victims from tents to housings.  In the third phase, arrangements are being made for providing necessary assistance to the victims to be able to perform their normal businesses.

            Immediately after the cyclone, international aid from China, India, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Greece, Qatar, United Kingdom, Ukraine and Russia arrived Yangon by air on May 6, 7, 8 and 9 respectively.  On its part, the Government, so far has spent over K 20 billion on the relief work.  In addition, more food, accommodation, medicine, health care services are being provided to the victims in the delta region and other affected states and divisions hit by cyclone Nargis.

            On 5th May 2008, a meeting for relief and resettlement of town and villages in the disaster areas in Yangon and Ayeyawaddy Division was held at the meeting room of Yangon Command Headquarters, which was chaired by Chairman of National Disasters Preparedness Central Committee, Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein.

               At the meeting, Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence reported that the already formed National Disasters Preparedness sub-committee has been performing their assigned duties for the relief work personnel from private companies and organizations are dedicating themselves in the disaster areas for rescue, relief and resettlement works hand in hand with the State.  He also called on them to express the needs the State should supply.

              Responsible personnel from the private companies and organizations reported on the condition in the storm ravaged townships in Yangon and Ayeyawaddy Divisions, plans for renovation of schools and hospitals as a priority and assistances they are providing for the food and shelter needs and health care services.

            Chairman of Resettlement Sub-committee, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein reported on plans for building lesser-cost housings.  Bankers and construction entrepreneurs also presented their plans for cooperating in resettlement works.

            As monsoon and school seasons are approaching, the Prime Minister urged private entrepreneurs and departments concerned to coordinate and cooperate urgently for building of houses for storm victims, schools, hospitals and department buildings and from the government's part, it will supply any necessity.

            On 8th May 2008, Tatmadawmen, members of USDA, Red Cross and Fire Brigade distributed rice bags, drinking water bottles, tarpaulin sheets, utensils, blankets, clothes, instant noodles and snacks to the victims in NatMu, Nyein Oo, Bawdhi TaHtaung and KyarHone Villages in Mawlamyainggyun Townships by four motor boats.

            On the same day, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung attended relief aid donation ceremony held at the management office for storm victims opened at township Maternal and Child Welfare Committee in Bogalay.  Dr. U Ba Shwe of WHO and Htoo Company donated medicine and medical equipment, dry provision and eggs which was received by the Chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council.  Later the Minister proceeded to Bogalay Jetty where he inspected the arrival of storm victims by ships and provided food and clothes for them.  The Minister also inspected health care services to the victims and donated medicines and dry provisions at the Bogalay Township Hospital.  Then the Minister visited relief camps opened at No-2 State High School and No-1 Middle School, Zaya Maydani monastery and Maha Withuta Yama Yadanabon Monastry where he donated offertories to members of the Sangha and provided relief aids to storm victims and encouraged them.  Later, the Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung inspected unloading of medicine and tents donated by foreign countries from helicopter.  In management office for storm victims in Bogalay, the Minister attended relief aid donation ceremony by Air Bagan, which donated 100 million kyat in cash as well as rice bags, edible oil, medicine and dry provisions worth 100 million kyats.

            Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central), Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, Col. Thein Nyunt attended the donation ceremony for the victims of storm-hit areas in Ayeyawaddy Division held at the meeting hall of Development Affairs Committee in Mawlamyainggyun Township.

            Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Union of Myanmar donated US$ 20,000, Chinese Economic Attaché's Office and Chinese Traders in Myanmar donated US$ 6000 and K1.35 million as humanitarian assistance which was received by Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue, Col. Hla Thein Swe as the donation receiving centre was opened at the Central Bank of Myanmar in Yangon.

            Similarly, Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to Myanmar donated US$ 20,000 as humanitarian assistance for the storm-hit victims and it was received by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu at the Ministry's Office in Yangon.

            A ceremony to hand over the rescue aids donated by His Majesty the Royal Kingdom of Thailand was held at Yangon International Airport.   On behalf of His Majesty the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, Chief of Royal Thai Air Force General Chalit Pukpasuk donated the rescue aids which were received by Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein.  It is learn that His Majesty the Royal Kingdom of Thailand donated 25 tents and 2000 bags of emergency rescue aids weighing 13 tons for the victims who were severely hit by the cyclone.

            The rescue aids for storm victims were sent on the same day from Yangon by five helicopters to Ayeyawaddy Division.         

            Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi and Deputy Minister Dr. Mya Oo travelled to Laputta, Bogalay, Mawlamyainggyun, Daedaye, Maubin and Pathein Townships by helicopters to distribute tents, kitchen utensils, medicines, dry provisions and drinking water bottles weighing 23.605 kilos to the storm-hit victims and to view the devastations caused by the storm.

            As the international community has been donating relief supplies to victims of storm-hit areas of Myanmar, 61.5 tons of academic materials donated by "Care" Group of Dubai, UAE arrived in Yangon a 747 aircraft.

            A ceremony to donate relief supplies by the United States of America for the disaster regions of Myanmar, took place at 2 pm on 11th May at Yangon International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport of the U.S Air Force C-130 aircraft, which was carrying mosquito nets, blankets and purified drinking water bottles, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein and responsible personnel cordially greeted Administrator of the U.S Agency for International Development Ms. Henrietta Fore, Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Timothy J. Keating and party.

            At the Airport lounge, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein expressed gratitude to Ms. Henrietta Fore and party for the US assistance for the storm victims of Myanmar.  In return, Ms. Henrietta Fore, Commander-in-Chief of U.S Pacific Command Admiral Timothy J. Keating and party explained about U.S plans for providing relief supplies to the storm victims.    

            Later Administrator of the U.S Agency for International Development Ms. Henrietta Fore presented relief supplies to the Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint.   Relief supplies included 10,800 mosquito nets, 8,300 water bottles and 1,350 blankets weighing 11 tons equivalent 24,000 pounds.

            After viewing the US relief supplies being loaded on to helicopters and later leaving for the disaster areas, Ms. Henrietta Fore and party left Yangon for home.

            Member of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee, Adjutant General Kay-Gen Thura Myint Aung of the Ministry of Defence together with the Commander of the Southwest Command Brig Gen Kyaw Swe on 11th May inspected systematic stockpiling of relief aids and distributing them to storm hit areas at the relief aid acceptance and distribution camp at Pathein Airport and accepted relief aids such as consumer goods and clothes worth Kyats one million donated by well-wishers including the DKBA.

            Relief supplies in eight categories, weighing 30.056 tons which was donated by the Russian Federation arrived Yangon Airport by IL-76 aircraft.  On the same day, an A-6 MX-A aircraft carrying 34.5 tons of relief supplies such as medicines, blankets, mosquito nets, clothes, generators and water purifiers donated by France arrived Yangon Airport.  Again on the same day, IL-76 aircraft carrying 34.205 tons of medicated mosquito nets, water purifiers, car pawins, nylon robes, water pump, tanks, life jackets, life boats, fast food donated by Switzerland based "doctors without border" arrived Yangon Airport.  An IL-76 aircraft carrying 28.135 tons of fast food donated by India, Two C-130 aircraft carrying medicines, foodstuff and clothes and 7.1 tons of relief supplies including 29 tents donated by Malaysia, A C-130 aircraft carrying 11.3 tons of medicines, foodstuff and tents donated by Greece arrived on the same day respectively at Yangon Airport.

            A C-39 aircraft carrying over 32 tons of blankets, shelter boxes, beds, water guard tablets and medicine donated by Australia arrived at Yangon Airport.  A MCW-443 carrying plastic sheets, mosquito nets, kitchen-ware and blankets weighing over 38 tons donated by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office arrived at 8:50 AM by Silk Air MI-512, 116 shelter boxes donated by humanitarian organizations in Singapore, named "MERCY Relief", at 9:50 AM, C-130 aircraft carrying relief aids including medicines, plastic sheets, first-aids box, food stuff and water guard tablets weighing 13 tons donated by the Royal Thai Air Force at Thai at 10:00 AM, two C-130 aircraft from the United States of America carrying relief materials including 6340 purified drinking water bottles and 3150 blankets and 4200 medicated mosquito nets, weighing nine tons at 10;35 AM and carrying 11.64 tons of relief materials including 120 plastic sheets, 1250 blankets and 6340 purified drinking water bottles at 2 PM respectively, relief supplies such as flour, milk powder, shelter boxes, water purifiers, water guard tablets and medicines weighing over 15 tons donated by KOICA group of the Republic of Korea at 11:20 AM, 1.45 tons of relief aids including anti-malaria drugs and anti-biotic donated by Red Cross Society of the People's Republic of China at 1:50 PM, over 18 tons of relief aids donated by United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and International Red Cross and Red Crescent at 2:30 PM, shuttle boxes, medicines and plastic sheets, weighing over 38 tons from Switzerland based "doctors without border" at 4:50 PM and food and clothes donated by Myanmar well-wishers currently in Thailand.  Likewise, AN-12 aircraft carrying 11 tons of relief supplies provided by United Nations World Food Programme(WFP) arrived at Yangon International Airport at 8 PM on 12th May.

            As relief supplies donated by the international community and well-wishers from within the country and abroad have been arriving Yangon continuously by air, sea and by land route, all these relief supplies are systematically being distributed to the storm-hit areas by helicopters, cars and by boats without delay.

            Sixty five tons of relief aid was transported from the No(1) Jetty of Yangon to Pathein by BaNyar Oo vessel and 85 tons of relief aid was transported by Bandoola vessel to Latputta township and again 75 tons of relief cargo was transported to Latputta township by Moe Kyaw vessel the same day.          Also on the same  day from No(2) Jetty of Yangon, Taing Aye vessel carrying 45 tons of relief aids was transported to Bogalay township and Taw Hay Wun vessel with 50 tons of relief aid was sent to MawGyun township.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein visits storm-hit areas

                        Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee, Prime Minister, General Thein Sein accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thei, ministers and responsible personnel arrived in Phyapon, Ayeyawaddy Division by helicopter on 12th May.  The Prime Minister inspected the systematic allocation of storm victims to relief camps. Then the Prime Minister accompanied by ministers and responsible personnel proceeded to Pathein, where he coordinated essentials at the work coordination meeting for the relief and resettlement tasks carried out for the storm victims.

            Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence together with Chairman of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, Commander of Yangon Command, Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win held a meeting with well-wishers to donate robes and provisions to storm ravaged monasteries in Yangon and Ayeyawaddy Divisions as monasteries in Yangon and Ayeyawaddy Divisions were destroyed by the storm, robes and provisions for the monks were in urgent need.  For the convenience of the well-wishers to donate robes and provisions for the monks telephone lines were set up to be able to donate these necessities.

            Member of National Disasters Preparedness Central Committee, Minister for Industry-1, U Aung Thaung, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe and officials arrived at the relief camp in kyauk Tan Township and inspected the shelter boxes and three supervisory offices and fulfilled the needs.  They then encouraged the victims at the relief camp.  A cash donation ceremony was held where the officials reported on relief and resettlement tasks being carried out and the donors; purpose of donation.  Afterwards, well-wishers donated cash, foodstuff, rice bags, medicine and medical equipments.  They proceeded to Tadar Township and Thonekhwa Township and comforted the victims at Basic Education High School and fulfilled the food, clothing, water and shelter needs and also cash were donated to the storm victims.

            Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, the ministers, Directors-General and officials concerned arrived in Pyapon, Ayeyawaddy Division from Yangon by helicopter to inspect rehabilitation tasks carried out in Ayeyawaddy Division.

            The relief aid donated by the United States of America arrived Yangon by two C-130 aircraft.  One C-130 aircraft was carrying 6340 bottles of drinking water, 3150 blankets, 4,200 mosquito nets, totaling 9 tons and another C-130 aircraft was 120 plastic sheets, 1250 blankets and 6340 bottles of drinking water, totaling 11.64 tons.  The American representatives handed over the relief aid to the team accepting the supplies at Yangon International Airport.

                        The relief aid donated by business companies and traditional medicines production companies from 8 to 12 May were handed over to the storm survivors in Pyapon and Kyasiklat townships by the Minister for Hotels and Tourism, Maj-Gen Soe Naing.

             Chairman of the National Disaster  Preparedness Central Committee and Prime Minister, Gen Thein Sein accompanied by Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung , Chairman of the Ayeyawaddy Division Peace and Development Council of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, ministers, heads of department arrived in Pathein and inspected the relief camps distribution of relief aid.

            On the same day, Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence visited storm survivors in Dalla, Seikkyi-Khanaungto townships and conforted storm victims and presented supplies.

             The Minister for National Planning and Economic Development, U Soe Tha went on an inspection tour of Twantay Township to supervise relief and rehabilitation tasks carried out.

             Member of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe arrived in Labutta and provided relief aid to strom victims.

             Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win and Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan cordially comported storm victims at the relief camp opened at Hlinethaya Township.

            On the 14th May, another batch of relief supplies was sent to storm-hit areas in Ayeyawaddy Division by Tatmadaw helicopters.

            Diplomatic corps residing in Yangon and Bangkok were taken on a tour to relief camps in Dagon Myothit (North) and Kyauktan Township in Yangon Division  by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Kyaw Thu, to witness the relief and resettlement work being carried out.

            The Singapore Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr. Robert Chua handed over humanitarian assistance packages worth S$ 100,000 (US$ 72,000) for the first tranche donated by the Khoo Teck Puat Foundation.

            According to the latest figures of the victims up to 6 pm of 15th May, a total of 43,318 people died, 1,403 were injured and 27,838  were missing in all regions struck by Cyclone Nargis.        

            Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, the ministers, Directors-General and officials concerned arrived in Bogalay, Ayeyawaddy Division from Yangon by helicopter to inspect rehabilitation tasks carried out in Ayeyawaddy Division.

            PTT Public Company Limited, which is carrying out joint venture tasks with the Ministry of Energy donated 480,000 litres of diesel at Thanlyin Oil Refinery for the tasks of relief and resettlement in storm-hit areas of Myanmar.

Ministers receive European Commission Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner

            Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Minister for Health Dr. Kyaw Myint received
European Commission Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Mr. Louis Michel, Head of cabinet of commissioner Mr. Koen Doens, member of cabinet of commissioner Ms Karin Gardes Koutny, member of cabinet of commissioner Ms Benedicte van den Berg.

            The Ambassador of the Brunei Darussalam to Myanmar presented US$100,000 to Chairman of the Funds Accepting and Distributing Committee, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe at the donation centre in the Central Bank of Myanmar in Yangon.

            Credent Technology (Myanmar) and Roalife Company in Myanmar under the arrangements of Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited with help of Power Tech Co in Thailand sent a 5-capacity hovercraft to be used in Ayeyawaddy Divisioin.

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 1.

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 2.

Prime Minister inspects rehabilitation tasks in Ayeyawaddy Division

            Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein accompanied by Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Chairman of Ayeyawaddy Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command, Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, ministers and officials arrived at Labutta by helicopter to inspect rehabilitation tasks carried out in Ayeyawaddy Division.

 Tatmadaw helicopters transport relief supplies to storm-hit region       

            Helicopters of the Defence Services (Air) transported 16.7 tons of relief supplies to Bogalay, Setsan, Kyeinchaung, Hlaingpok, Mawlamyinegyun, Wekema, Myaungmya, Pathein, Dedaye, Kyondah, Lekkhokkon, Kungyangon, Labutta, Pyinsalu, Pyapon, Hainggyi, Polaung, Hlinebon and Kwinpauki regions.

Diplomats arrive relief camps to view relief work           .

            Diplomats of the embassies based at home and in foreign countries to the Union of Myanmar, responsible persons and resident representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat and UN agencies, led by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Director General U Kyaw Kyaw of the Protocol Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived at Kyondah village relief camp in Dedaye Township by helicopter to view the relief work carried out by the concerned authorities.

Foreign medical teams arrive Yangon

            A 47-member medical team comprising specialists, technicians and nurses led by Dr Prafull Mohan of India arrived Yangon by IL-76 aircraft to provide health care services to the victims in the storm-hit areas of Ayeyawaddy and Yangon Divisions.

            Two C-130 aircraft carrying a 30-member medical team comprising 15 specialists, one psychiatrist, one contagious disease specialist, one veterinarian and 12 nurses led by Dr. Pichit Siriwan of Thai Red Cross Society arrived Yangon.

Donations from foreign countries arrive Yangon
            Thirty tons of five temporary clinics, five boats, four generators, 55 shelves, life jackets, extinguishers and construction materials donated by the World Food Programme (WFP) arrived Yangon by AN-12 aircraft.  Another AN-12 aircraft carrying 11 tons of supplies donated by JICA  and four C-130 aircraft carrying  50 tons of 1440 packages of medical equipments plastics, purified drinking water, blankets and foodstuff donated by the United States arrived at Yangon International Airport.

            Thai Ambassador and Resident Representative of Bumrungrad International Hospital Dr Moe Nyan Kyaw presented medicines and medical equipment worth US$ 100,000 donated by Thailand-based Bumrungrad Internatioinal Hospital to storm victims to officials at the Yangon General Hospital, Children's Hospital and Myanmar Medical Association.  The donated medicines and medical equipment were transported from Thailand to Myanmar by Air Bagan.

            Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe accompanied by General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, member of SPDC Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice- Admiral Soe Thein, Commander -in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Paing Soe, senior military officials and officials of SPDC office flew to Yangon from Nay Pyi Taw by special aircraft to inspect storm-hit areas of Yangon and Ayeyawaddy Division.     

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 3. 

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 4.

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 5.

            UN Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr. John Holmes, Regional Coordinator (Designate) Mr. Bishow Parajuli, Director Mr. Kabisis Rochanakorn of the Office of the Coordiantion of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA, Geneva) and Ms Shanya Harris, Special Assistant to Mr. John Holmes arrived Yangon.

             Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received British Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown, the British Ambassador to Myanmar and Ms Sue Wardell of Department for International Developoment (DFID) and delegation members.

            Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint received British Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown, the British Ambassador to Myanmar and Ms Sue Wardell of Department for International Developoment (DFID) and delegation members.

            Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu received British Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown, the British Ambassador to Myanmar and Ms Sue Wardell of Department for International Development (DFID) and delegation members.

            Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Hitoshi Kimura and party.

            Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Hitoshi Kimura called on Minister for Health  Dr Kyaw Myint at the Ministry of Health in Yangon.

            Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu received Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Hitoshi Kimura and party at Yangon.    

            Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Hitoshi Kimura handed over relief supplies donated by JICA for storm victims to Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint at Yangon International Airport.

            AN-12 flight carrying 13.6 tons of medicines donated by a social organization in the US,  TG-303 flight carrying 4 tons of 34 shelter boxes and 117 kinds of rescue equipment donated by Red Cross Society of the Republic of Korea, MH-740 and 1-300 flights carrying 43 tons of blankets, mosquito nets, 1746 packages of plastic and 600 packages of rescue equipment donated by ICRC,  five C-130 flights carrying 52 tons of mosquito nets, foodstuff, plastic, purified bottled water and health equipment donated by the United States and AN-12 flight carrying 15 tons of shelter kits and accessories donated by Red Cross Society of Canada arrived at Yangon International Airport.

            Organized by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai health care organization of the Ministry of Health of Thailand and Mekong Regions disease control led by Director Dr. Khin Maung Lwin of the Ministry of Health left for Labutta and Myaungmya Townships by car.

            Relief supplies and materials for reconstruction were delivered by Tatmadaw helicopters to Bogalay and Kadonkani and a total of 12 vehicles carrying  CI sheets and construction materials, blankets, kitchen utensils, foodstuff, purified water bottles, cooking oil and fluorescent lamps for rehabilitation and reconstruction tasks for storm victims left for Labutta, Dedaye and Myaungmya Townships in Ayeyawaddy Division.

            A specialists team of the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation and the Myanmar Red Cross Society provided health care services to storm victims at relief camp in Latkhaik village of Kawhmu Township.

            As Tatmadawmen of Defence Services (Navy) have been performing the rehabilitation works in the storm-affected areas, on military vessel based in Bogalay transported  37.5 tons of clothes, plastic containers, bed sheets, snacks, bed roll, blankets, soft drinks, household goods, milk powder, tarpaulin, pumps tents, purified water bottles and robes to Kadonkani rehabilitation camp on 18 May 2008.  Similarly, a Labutta-based military vessel transported 25 tons of rice, palm oil, tarpaulin, rubber sheets, purified water bottles, clothes, pipes, pumps, soap, tents, dry noodles, dry fish, generator, snack, salt, potato, gram and diesel to Polaungyi rehabilitation camp and another military vessel carrying specialist nurses and relief aids was sent to Setsan from Bogalay on the same day.

            Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe visited relief camps in Pathein and comforted the victims.  Then, the Senior General left for Labutta where he met storm victims at the relief camps and he comforted them.  From Labutta, the Senior General and party left for Myaungmya by motorcade and consoled the victims of Labutta who are accommodated in Myaungmya.  

            During his inspection tour, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that the nation was build through concerted efforts of the government, the Tatmadaw and the people and so also it is being reconstructed through such concerted efforts although the nation was hit hard by the storm.  The government is taking systematic measures in three phases, namely, relief, rehabilitation and disaster preparedness in the long run for the people in storm-hit regions.  During the trip, the Senior General gave guidance on measures to upgrae Pyapon People's Hospital to a 200-bed facility and Bogalay, Mawlamyinegyun and Labuttl people's hospitals to 100-bed ones.    Seeing orphans at relief camps, the Senior General gave guidance on establishment of training centres for the orphans in Pyapn and Labutta and for the time being, a list to be  compiled as a separate programme to care for the orphans in Maubin and Myaungmya.

            Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein received a team led by Under-Secretary-General of the UN Emergency Relief Coordiantor Mr. John Holmes at Zeya Thiri Beiknam on Konmyinttha, Yangon.

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 6.

            Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint received a delegation led by Under-Secretary-General of the UN Emergency Relief Coordiantor Mr. John Holmes at the National Archives Department.  The Under Secretary-General of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr. John Holmes said that the UN is desirous of extending a helping hand to Myanmar in her rehabilitation of storm-hit regions and that the UN will cooperate with the Government of Myanmar in that regard.

            The State Peace and Development Council issued Announcement No 6/2008 on 19 May that the cyclone hit Ayeyawaddy and Yangon Divisions, claiming many lives and causing enourmous destruction houses, religious buildings, schools, hospitals, watercraft, crop plantations and food supplies and that three days beginning from 20 May to 22 May 2008 inclusive were designated as the days of mourning for the loss of lives of the people and the State flags were to be flown at half mast to morn the victims.

            Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win arrived by from Singapore after attending the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on 19 May 2008.  The meeting discussed and agreed to the establishment of an ASEAN-led coordinating mechanism to facilitate the effective distribution and utilization of international assistance, the holding of a Pledging Conference in Yangon for providing international assistance for the cyclone-affected victims in Myanmar and to dispatch medical teams from all the ASEAN countries to Myanmar.  Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win also received a Bank Draft from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Dr Rais Yatim amounting to one million US dollars donated by the Government of Malaysia to the victims of cyclone Nargis in the Union of Myanmar.

             Five C-130 planes from the United States carrying blankets, nylon ropes, plastic sheets, water buckets, nails, water bottles, plywood and foodstuff weighing over 42 tons arrived Yangon International Airport.

            An AN-12 plane from Denmark based UNICEF carrying medicines and hospital equipment weighing over 16 tons, a plane from Switzerland carrying mosquito nets weighing 4 tons, a plane from IFRC  carrying relief items and kitchen wares weighing 6.68 tons, a plane from UNICEF carrying water-purifying tablets weighing 0.48 tons, a plane from Korean Red Cross carrying health related items weighing 3 tons,  Y7-100 plane from Laos carrying varieties of medicines  from Laotian medical team, MAI plane carrying 111 packages of relief supplies provided by Baiyoke Hotel Group, DC-8 plane from Save the Children of Britain(UK) carrying tarpaulin, mosquito nets, water buckets and construction materials weighing  39 tons,  IL-76 plane from Finland Red Cross carrying tarpaulin, tent related items and kitchen wares weighing over 40 tons , IL-76 plane from World Food Programme(WFP) carrying biscuits weighing 40 tons, AN-12 plane from Spanish Red Cross carrying tarpaulin, kitchen wares and personal health related items weighing 14.52 tons, DC-8 plane from Fred Cross of the Netherlands carrying personal health related items weighing 35.89 tons, PG-701 plane from Myanmar citizens in Thailand carrying blankets, mosquito nets and towels weighing 2.9 tons, MI-518 plane from Singaporean Red Cross carrying varieties of medicine weighing 6 tons arrived Yangon International Airport.

            The Egyptian Committee for International Relief has allocated a sum of LE 250,000 (approximately US$ 45,000) as a contribution the relief efforts for the victims of the cyclone.  Moreover, the Emergency Relief Agency of Egypt (affiliated to the Arab Medical Union) in collaboration with the Islamic Relief Agency in Britain, has embarked on a relief project that includes dispatching tents, blanket, drinking water and medicines to the victims of the cyclone.

            The Thai medical team together with Myanmar health staff provided medical treatments and health care services to storm victims at the relief camps in Labutta.

            Foreign Ambassadors to Myanmar, Charge d' affaires, resident representatives of the UN agencies and officials concerned signed the book of condolences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Visiting ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan also signed the book of condolences.

            A C-130 plane from Bangladesh carrying a 33-member medical team led by Dr Md Anwarul Kabir arrived Yangon International Airport. The medical team brought in 7.04 tons of medicines.

            An AN-12 flight carrying 17.12 tons of office equipment, generators, tarpaulin and racks donated by the World Food Programme (WFP), four C-130 flights carrying about 20 tons of plywood, water bottles, blankets, plastic, nylon ropes, hammers and nails donated by the United States of America, Y7-100 flight carrying 3 tons of medicines for Laos medical team from LaoPDR, A-300 flight carrying over 22 tons of food, cables, medicines and medical equipment donated by KOICA of the Republic of Korea, Il-76 carrying 35.75 tons of water purifiers and related equipment, medicines, tents, food and plastic donated by Doctors without borders of Belgium and IL-76 flight carrying 59.64 tons of construction material and tarpaulin donated by IFRC, IL-76 flight carrying over 40 tons of 4000 packages of taarpaulin and 2000 packages of construction material donated by Red Cross Society of Finland arrived Yangon International Airport.

            Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, SPDC Member Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Paing Soe, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and officials of the SPDC office arrived Mawlamyinekyun  to comfort the storm victims there, after inspecting relief and rehabilitation activities in storm-hit regions of Ayeyawaddy Division.

            After hearing reports from concerned authorities,  Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance that the government is taking relief, rehabilitation and three-step preventive and preparedness measures against natural disaster for the storm-hit regions and the victims.  He continued to give guidance that arrangements are being made to construct roads leading to the coastal villages and to build 20-30 feet high embankments for preventing floods to be able to take development and naturla disaster prevention and preparedness measures.  In nurturing the children who had become orphans due to the storm and turning out the outstanding persons, the Senior General gave guidance to open the orphanages in Pyapon and Labutta and to organize them in Maubin and Myaungmya under separate progarmmes and to collect the list of the needy children in the respective regions.

            The Senior General and party also visited the Bogalay People's Hospital and comforted the patients.  The Senior General also went to the relief camp opened at Bogalay Basic Education High School and cordially greeted the storm victims.       

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 7.

            A briefing on the relief and rehabilitation measures in the aftermath of cyclone Nargis was held at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon and the Prime Minister General Thein Sein delivered an address.  The briefing was attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Directors-General, department heads, diplomats, donors and delegates from 39 countries, officials of 12 international organizations and guests.  A one-minute silence to mourn the storm victims was made before the briefing.  Then he Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha briefed on rescue and  rehabilitation tasks and distribution of relief foods, drinking water and relief aids to storm-hit areas in the delta region and the three phases of the relief work.  He explained in detail about the total amount of cash and relief aids received from UN agencies, INGOs and donor countries and daily distribution of relief aid to storm-hit  areas.  He also briefed on amount of budget to be spent on the rehabilitation work and projects for preparedness against disaster in the future.  Then Ministers U Soe Tha, Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Dr. Kyaw Myint, Minister for Health replied to questions raised by those present.

            Afterwards, representatives of UN agencies, donor countries and ASEAN nations visited Atwinpadan relief camp in Hlinethaya Township and relief camp in Dagon Myothit (North)

            A delegation led by Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General arrived Yangon from Bangkok by air and was met at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, UN Acting Resident Representative Mr Daniel B Baker and officials concerned.

            The UN Secretary-General signed the Book of Condolences opened for damages and losses of life due cyclone, Nargis, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

            The UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and party accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu, acting UN resident representative Mr. Daniel B Baker and officials concerned arrived atKyonda village relief camp of Deday Township by helicopter and the UN Secretary-General by Energy Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi about the storm and relief tasks which are being carried out.   Then the UN Secretary-General and party flew to Mawlamyainekyun, where the Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt explained about the losses and damages caused by the storm in Mawlamyainekyun , accomplishment of the relief tasks, relief supplies, resettlement and reconstruction works and measures for growing monsoon paddy in time.   After the briefing, the UN Secretary-General made observations on piles of relief supplies to be distributed to the storm victims and returned back to Yangon.

            The relief items worth baht 40 million was donated by the Royal Thai Army was handed to Brig-Gen Aung Naing of Myawady Station.

            The 15-member medical team led by Dr Arif Tyebally of Singapore arrived Yangon by C-130 aircraft in which the medical team brought along a total of 1.27 tons of medicines and medical supplies.

            An AN-12 flight carrying  17 tons of plastic sheets, blankets, mosquito nets and kitchen utensil donated by UNHCR,  A C-130 flight carrying over 11 tons of rice, medicines, purified water bottles, blankets and foodstuff donated by Thailand, An AN-12 flight carrying over 15 tons of personnel health care supplies, kitchen utensils and tarpaulin donated by  Spain Red Cross Society, A C-130 aircraft carrying 12.5 tons of plastic sheets donated by Save The Children, Four C-130 flights carrying over 23 tons of blankets, plastic sheets, purified water bottles, plywood, two lifeboats and health supplies donated by the United States of America arrived at Yangon International Airport.

            Likewise, 1.5 tons of medical supplies donated by Denmark-based UNICEF, over 2 tons of medical supplies donated by Indonesia, 0.445 tons of relief supplies donated by Netherlands, 1.62 tons of relief supplies donated by Republic of Korea Red Cross Society, over 3 tons of bottles of purifies water donated by Singapore Christian Association, 1.56 tons of 22 packing of mosquito nets donated by IFRC, 1.35 tons of  110 packing of personnel supplies donated by Myanmar Embassy in Thailand also arrived on the same day.

            All the relief aids donated from foreign countries have been distributed to the storm-affected regions without delay

            Local companies Ayon Oo, FMI Co, Shwethanlwin, Moekyesin and Tetlan have organized Cape Nargis Committee to carry out the rehabilitation works in Hainggyikyun in Ngaputaw Township.   This Committee organized a mobile team comprising doctors and nurses  from Panhlaing International Hospital and Save the Children based in Ngaputaw to give medical treatment to the survivors  who need treatment  and it also set up  prefabricated houses and shelter tents, provided medical treatment, distributed  drinking water, rice, edible oil, salt, instant foods, plastic and clothes to the victims and transported the construction material to storm affected areas by cars and by boats to reconstruct the buildings an schools.

            Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe received UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and party at Bayintnaung Yeiktha in Nay Pyi Taw.

            Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Myanmar Permanent Representative to UN Ambassador U Kyaw Tint Swe and Director General of the Protocol Department U Kyaw Kyaw.

            The UN Secretary-General was accompanied by Mr.Vijay Nambiar, Senior Adviser, Mr. John Holmes, Senior Adviser, Mr. Michael Meyer, Director for Communications of EOSG, Mr. Bishow Parajuli, Resident Coordinator, Yangon and Mr. Daniel B Baker, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund.

            Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, General Thein Sein received the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and party at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyintha in Yangon in the afternoon.         

            Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint held talks with United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon at the Sedona Hotel on the evening of 23rd May.  The Ministers briefed him on the destruction caused by the storm, Nargis, relief, supply and rehabilitation tasks being carried out by the government; health care provided to the victims by local health staff reinforced with health care teams; health care contributed by medical staff from neighbouring countries and measures coordinated for ensuring systematization in providing health care and carrying out rehabilitation undertakings in cooperation with international organizations.

            Local and international diplomats, resident representatives and officials of UN agencies, representatives of ASEAN countries and officials of donor countries and international organizations were taken in three groups to view damage and rehabilitation work in the cyclone-ravaged regions of Ayeyawaddy Division.

            An IL-76 flight carrying 38 tons of tarpaulins and tents and accessories donated by IFRC, a 747 flight carrying  52 tons of construction materials for schools worth US$ 100,000 donated by Care Group in Brunei Darussalam, an IL-76 flight carrying  40 tons of biscuits donated by Pakistan,  A DC-8 flight carrying 33 tons of medicine, blankets, kitchen utensils, beds, tarpaulins, purified water and toilet-used material donated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, three C-130 flights carrying 35 tons of mosquito nets, eggs, rice, blankets, plywood, purified bottled water and gloves donated by the people and the Government of Thailand, two C-130 flights carrying 23 tons of tarpaulins and empty bottles donated by the United States of America arrived Yangon International Airport.

            Similarly, TG-303 flight carrying  2 tons of personal goods donated by Red Cross Society of the Republic of Korea, TG-303 flight carrying  2 tons of personal goods donated by Red Cross Society of Switzerland, MI-512 flight carrying 0.08 tons of medicines donated by Singapore-Myanmar Christian Association, FD-3770 flight carrying 0.434 tons of foodstuff and medicines donated by well-wishers from Malaysia, a DC-8 flight carrying 18 tons kitchen utensils donated by Indonesia and IL-76 flight carrying 34 tons of medicine, foodstuff and tarpaulins donated by France Red Cross Society arrived Yangon International Airport on the same day.

            Relief supplies donated by foreign countries, Red Cross Societies and well-wishers from foreign countries have been distributed to storm-hit regions by helicopter, vehicles and vessels without delay.

           Prime Minister General Thein Sein inspected measures taken for making Yangon City clean and pleasant and repair of West Yangon General Hospital and Central Women's Hospital.  The Prime Minister also inspected the repair works carried out at Yangon University of Computer Sciences, Yangon(West) Technological University and Yangon University of Foreign Languages.

            IL-76 carrying over 38 tons of tarpaulin, water purifiers and accessories from Danish Red Cross and Australian Red Cross,  an AN-12 aircraft carrying over 18 tons of  bags, construction materials, water purifiers and tarpaulin from ICRC based in Indonesia, three C-130 aircraft carrying over 35 tons of purified drinking water, wood, food, tarpaulin and health care items from the United States, a DC-8 flight carrying 32 tons of biscuits and assorted foods from the Doctors Without Borders based in Switzerland, an IL-76 aircraft carrying 42 tons of plastic, mosquito nets, blankets and kitchen utensils from UAE-based UNHCR, two C-130 aircraft carrying 23 tons of tarpaulin and water containers from Save the Children of the United States,

             A DC-8 flight carrying 29 tons of tarpaulin and household utensils from Save the Children of the US arrived Yangon International Airport.

            All the relief aids donated from foreign countries have been distributed to the storm-affected regions without delay.

            ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference was held at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon.  The Conference was attended by Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, General Thein Sein, UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Standing Committee Chairman and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Mr. George Yeo, Foreign Ministers from ASEAN countries, high ranking officials from 51 nations, officials of the UN Headquarters, 24 International Organizations attended the conference.

            Prime Minister General Thein Sein received the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Yang Jiechi.

            Prime Minister General Thein Sein received the Minister of State of the Commerce and Power of the Republic of India Mr. Tairam Ramesh.

            A DC-8 flight carrying 40 tons of plastic roll provided by Dubai based UNHCR Office of UAE, a C-310 flight carrying seven tons of solar system lights, tents, emergency health equipment, mosquito nets, water purifier and its related materials donated by Germany, IL-76 flight carrying 38 tons of blankets, kitchen utensils and tarpaulin by Malaysia-based IFRC, AN-12 flight carrying 12.29 tons of tents, water purifiers and its related equipments and nitric acid by Thailand-based WFP, AN-12 flight carrying 14.9 tons of 1,662 packages of foodstuff by Sri Lanka, five C-130 flights carrying 65 tons of plastic sheets, water bottles, bottles of purified drinking water, foodstuff, tarpaulin and health equipment by the United States, MD-11 flight carrying 73 tons of food and medicines by Saudi Arabia, AN-12 flight carrying 2.64 tons of energy dried noodles donated by Thailand, two AN-12 flights carrying  24 tons of kitchen utensil, medicines and health equipment and tarpaulin provided by Thailand-based UNHCR arrived Yangon International Airport.         

             As international communities are providing the storm victims with relief supplies an IL-76 plane carrying constructional material, tarpaulins, kitchen utensils and canvas tents weighing 39.629 tons donated by Malaysia-based IFRC,  five C-130 planes carrying foodstuff, plastic, tarpaulins, empty water bottles, life boats, health facilities and water purifiers weighing 44.8 tons donated by the US, TG-303 plane carrying 37 packages of personal goods donated by the Republic of Korea's Red Cross Society, TG-303 plane carrying nine packages of personal goods donated by Switzerland RCS, 3K-585 plane carrying medicines and 30 bags of variety of foodstuff donated by Myanmar Embassy in Singapore, 8M-332 plane carrying 23 packages of clothes donated by Baiyoke Hotel Group, IL-76 plane carrying plastics rolls, blankets, medicines and tarpaulins weighing 37.78 tons donated by Dubai-based  UNHCR of UAE, MH-740 plane carrying 156 packages of personal goods donated by Malaysia RCS, AN-12 plane carrying 2.64 tons of energy noodle donated by Thailand-based WFP, PG-701 plane carrying 14 packages of water purifing tablets donated by Myanmar Embassy in Thailand, A-300 plane carrying 900 rolls of plastics weighing 38.9 tons donated by Britain-based Doctors Without Borders, DC-8 plane carrying construction materials weighing 13.61 tons donated by France-based Doctors Without Borders arrived Yangon International Airport.

            All the relief aids donated from foreign countries have been distributed to the storm-affected regions without delay.

            The Minister for International Development and Cooperation of Sweden Ms. Gunilla Carlsson and Swedish Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr. Lennart Linner and party visited the No. 1 relief camp in Pyapon and Kyonda villages and consoled the storm victims.  They also inspected storm-hit Kyungyangon and Twante Townships.

            The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee issued News Release No 7.

            Member of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe accompanied by resident representative of UNFPA Mr. Daniel B Baker and officials of UN agencies and INGO visited Bogalay and viewed the rehabilitation work being carried out and the distribution of aid donated by foreign countries.

             Four C-130 flights carrying 32.58 tons of relief aids including purified drinking, chlorine, tappet, water purifiers and related equipment, timber, blankets, tanks, and tarpaulin contributed by the United States of America, C-130 flight loaded with 13.08 tons of medicines, foods and blankets contributed by Red Cross Society of Thailand, Y-7 100 C flight with 2.65 tons of medicines and drinking wate for the medical teams of LaoPDR, C-130 flight with 10 tons of feedstuff for animals contribute by FAO, IL-76 flight with 35 tons of biscuits contributed by Pakistan, IL-76 carrying 34.84 tons of tents, medicines, canvas and foods contributed by India,, A-300 flight with 38.52 tons of plastic contributed by Republic of Korea, A-310 flight with 34.5 tons of blankets contributed by Britain arrived Yangon International Airport.

            The relief supplies donated by foreign countries have been distributed to the storm-hit regions without delay.

            The Pakistan-Myanmar Friendship Association of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan donated relief supplies containing of 3.25 tons of rice, edible oil, sugar, candle, biscuit, tea, purified drinking water, medicine, clothes, wool and slippers for the storm victims.

The Union of Myanmar

The State Peace and Development Council

Announcement No. 7/2008

10th Waning Day of Kason, 1370 ME

(29th May 2008)

Announcement of Promulgation of State Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

1.                  The Commission for Holding the Referendum of the Union of Myanmar, regarding the ratification of draft Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, reported that the National Referendums to se3ek approval of the people were held on 10th and 24th May 2008 successfully; 98.12 per cent of 27,288,827 eligible voters all over the country cast votes and of them 92.48 per cent supported the draft Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in accordance with law. 

2.                  Hence, it is hereby announced that the State Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has been ratified and promulgated by the National Referendum.