Junta boss tells flood victims to return home ahead of population census

By Admin 18 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
18 September 2024, Sittwe

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing has instructed flood-affected people in relief camps to return to their homes as soon as possible as the regime plans to conduct a population census from October 1-15.

Min Aung Hlaing, who is also Myanmar's self-appointed acting president and prime minister, made the remarks during a meeting on natural disaster management held in Naypyidaw on September 17.

"We need to make sure that flood victims from the relief camps can return to their homes as soon as possible," said the junta chief.

He ordered junta authorities to complete relief efforts as soon as possible, within no more than six months, prioritising the damage wrought by the flooding.

The regime said in a statement on September 16 that a total of 438 relief camps had been set up in Naypyidaw, Bago, Magway, Mandalay and Ayeyarwady regions, and Kayah (Karenni), Kayin (Karen), Mon and Shan states to provide rescue operations for 163,710 flood victims.

Flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi across Myanmar has reportedly killed at least 226 people, with 77 missing. The flooding destroyed 2,116 homes and affected 158,373 homes as of September 16, the statement said.

"When the people are suffering because of the floods, the regime should focus on addressing the people's difficulties rather than conducting the population census. The regime needs to prioritise the people's resettlement and accommodation," said a local politician.

Min Aung Hlaing said that the regime would conduct the population census wherever it can, and that the census would be carried out to the extent possible in areas of active conflict.