Burmese State Paper Urges Cyclone Victims to Follow Public Health Notices

Text of report in English by Burmese newspaper The New Light of Myanmar on 11 May

[Editorial: "Public health care notices to keep victims free from diseases"]

The government is now spending huge funds and manpower in the relief and resettlement undertaking in the areas hit hard by the natural disaster, while local and foreign well-wishers are contributing humanitarian assistance. The relief accepting teams are accepting the supplies systematically and transporting them to the affected areas promptly.

Members of the Tatmadaw and social organizations, and well- wishers from states and divisions are donating relief supplies with nationalistic spirit as well as contributing voluntary service towards the relief and rehabilitation tasks.

The buildings hit by the storm will be rebuilt phase by phase. In this regard, priority will be given to construction of schools, hospitals, monasteries, government offices and housings. Yeku, Gyobyu, Hlawgar, and Ngamoeyeik (Ahtayu) Waterworks in Yangon that were temporarily closed due to the storm are now serviceable again following the resumption of power supply.

The Ministry of Health has released public notices on health care for the victims to be able to keep themselves free from diseases. Particularly, the people in the disaster affected areas have to stay in the shelters that are resistant enough to bad weather, wear warm clothes in order to avoid catching cold, and use clean fly-proof latrines. Natural disasters such as strong winds and floods are followed by health problems including TB, diarrhoea, and snake bites. Therefore, the victims should take care in their day-to-day activities.

At a time when the government is energetically carrying out relief and resettlement works in the storm-hit areas, the people have to follow the public health notices in order that they may keep themselves free from the diseases that are common in the natural disaster-struck areas.

Originally published by The New Light of Myanmar, Rangoon, in English 11 May 08.

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