The ASEAN region experienced 539 natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides, between January and May 2024, resulting in a loss of US$22.4 million. This was reported by Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, Vice-Senior General Soe Win, during a committee meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw on May 24.
He highlighted that countries globally, including Myanmar, are currently suffering from the impacts of El Niño and La Niña, which are significant climate change events. Experts noted that severe climatic conditions could affect not only the eastern shores of the Pacific Ocean but also the shores of southern Asia. In 2023, El Niño led to extremely severe storms, strong winds, and low depressions, along with strong earthquakes, heavy rains, and flash flooding.
Reports indicate that in the summer of 2024, El Niño triggered hot temperatures, droughts, water shortages, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, lava flows, and hailstorms worldwide. Cities in Myanmar, such as Chauk, Magway, Minbu, and Nyaung-U, were listed among the world's 15 hottest cities. Data compiled by the AHA Centre on natural disasters in the ASEAN region from 2023 to May 2024 showed 829 incidents in 2023 and an additional 539 incidents in the first five months of 2024. The natural disasters caused losses amounting to US$642.4 million in 2023 and US$22.4 million from January to May 2024.
Vice-Senior General Soe Win emphasized the need for preparations as the monsoon season approaches in Myanmar. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has forecasted that a yellow-level depression over the Bay of Bengal may develop into a severe cyclonic storm, potentially impacting India and Bangladesh by May 26. Consequently, a storm warning has been issued for the coasts of Rakhine State and Ayeyawady Region. Regional and state governments are urged to prepare and conduct rehearsals for disaster scenarios similar to Cyclone Mocha.
The Prime Minister has established a clear policy regarding the use of the Disaster Management Committee’s funds. Cyclone shelters have been constructed in coastal and mountainous areas prone to strong winds, regardless of recent floods or storms. Committee members, union ministers, and officials also reported on the progress of work related to disaster management funds and preparedness measures against natural disasters, he added.
