Myanmar must take comprehensive preparedness measures to withstand extreme El Niño-driven heat and drought through the 2027 monsoon season, stated President U Min Aung Hlaing during a high-level economic meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on October 5. 

Addressing cabinet ministers and regional chief ministers, he warned that despite the onset of winter, several townships are already experiencing unseasonably high temperatures, raising concerns over depleted groundwater and severe dry spells.

To mitigate these risks, authorities were directed to manage and conserve both drinking and irrigation water, maximize reservoir storage, curb water loss, and establish public cooling shelters. He also emphasized securing long-term food supplies by stockpiling non-perishable provisions, sustaining livestock operations, and meeting production targets for late-monsoon crops. 

The meeting was attended by Vice Presidents U Nyo Saw and Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye, along with senior military and government officials.