YANGON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar government is preparing to issue bylaws for the construction of buildings to push for quake-resistant architectures in the country, according to the Construction Ministry Monday.
At an event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Myanmar Earthquake Committee in Yangon Sunday, Minister of Construction U Han Zaw disclosed that the ministry is drafting rules for making sure buildings in Myanmar are designed to withstand natural disasters such as storms, cyclones and earthquakes with the help of legal experts and specialists in the field of architecture and construction.
He said Myanmar has witnessed destruction of buildings, roads and bridges and its cultural heritage due to earthquake, experiencing loss of lives and properties also due to natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department has established earthquake centers in quake-prone areas to monitor seismic activities and the Disaster Management Department has also been raising awareness about earthquake by educating the public on preparedness before and after quake strikes, vowing to continue to cooperate with the Earth Committee in the move, he added.
At the event, discussions were made on earthquake preparedness measures recommended by experts.
Since its formation in 1999, the Myanmar Earthquake Committee has been conducting research on earthquake in cooperation with local and foreign organizations to help reduce losses caused by such calamities in Myanmar.
Meanwhile, Myanmar launched its earthquake preparedness and response plan at national level in Nay Pyi Taw early this month, during which Vice President U Henry Van Thio called for effective preparations and response against the earthquake.
The plan also covers rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery measures to be taken for the disaster-affected victims. Enditem
