ID :
171462
Tue, 03/29/2011 - 06:10
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/171462
The shortlink copeid
ASEAN READY TO ASSIST MYANMAR
By Ahmad Fuad Yahya
JAKARTA, March 29 (Bernama) -- Asean stands ready to assist Myanmar, following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake which struck Shan State Thursday.
Asean Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan personally extended the region’s condolences and support, through Myanmar's Permanent Representative to Asean, U Nyan Lynn, when the two met at the Asean Secretariat Monday.
“I have been encouraged by the numerous calls, e-mails and text messages from the other permanent representatives to Asean.
“I thank everyone for their concern and appreciate the offers of
assistance,” said Lynn.
The Asean Secretariat, in a statement Monday, said member countries of the regional grouping, along with Indonesia as the current Asean Chair, had issued statements of condolences to Myanmar, as well as offered assistance.
Thailand, for instance, has offered to donate initial cash assistance of THB 3,000,000.
“The Government of Myanmar was able to act quickly, having deployed the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee within 24 hours and relief items including shelters, sanitation, food, medicine kits, blankets and clothes for the victims by the weekend.
“Nonetheless, we will continue to be on standby to support Myanmar with any help she may need in the days and weeks ahead,” said Dr Surin.
At the meeting, Lynn also informed Dr Surin that, to date, 74 deaths and 120 injuries were recorded.
The earthquake has also damaged 390 homes, 10 government buildings and 26 religious buildings. Tremors, meanwhile, were reportedly felt as far away as Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Myanmar has picked herself up following the natural disasters that hit thecountry in the past few years. Following Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, about 140,000 people were killed or missing.
The October 2010 Cyclone Giri left 104,000 people homeless.
JAKARTA, March 29 (Bernama) -- Asean stands ready to assist Myanmar, following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake which struck Shan State Thursday.
Asean Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan personally extended the region’s condolences and support, through Myanmar's Permanent Representative to Asean, U Nyan Lynn, when the two met at the Asean Secretariat Monday.
“I have been encouraged by the numerous calls, e-mails and text messages from the other permanent representatives to Asean.
“I thank everyone for their concern and appreciate the offers of
assistance,” said Lynn.
The Asean Secretariat, in a statement Monday, said member countries of the regional grouping, along with Indonesia as the current Asean Chair, had issued statements of condolences to Myanmar, as well as offered assistance.
Thailand, for instance, has offered to donate initial cash assistance of THB 3,000,000.
“The Government of Myanmar was able to act quickly, having deployed the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee within 24 hours and relief items including shelters, sanitation, food, medicine kits, blankets and clothes for the victims by the weekend.
“Nonetheless, we will continue to be on standby to support Myanmar with any help she may need in the days and weeks ahead,” said Dr Surin.
At the meeting, Lynn also informed Dr Surin that, to date, 74 deaths and 120 injuries were recorded.
The earthquake has also damaged 390 homes, 10 government buildings and 26 religious buildings. Tremors, meanwhile, were reportedly felt as far away as Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Myanmar has picked herself up following the natural disasters that hit thecountry in the past few years. Following Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, about 140,000 people were killed or missing.
The October 2010 Cyclone Giri left 104,000 people homeless.
