Myanmar is exposed to a plethora of natural hazards -- cyclone, flood, drought, earthquake, tsunami and seasonal fire. Whereas its coastal regions are particularly exposed to cyclones, tropical storms/storm surges and Tsunamis, rainfall induced flooding, is a recurring phenomenon across the country. Additionally, the whole country is at risk from earthquakes, droughts and fires while the country’s hilly regions are also exposed to landslide risks. The Cyclone Nargis of May 2008 has been by far the most devastating natural disaster in the history of the country, which has brought into focus the extremely high vulnerability of communities to natural hazards. The recent event has highlighted the need for concerted efforts on disaster risk reduction not only on preparedness and response but also on prevention and mitigation.

Villagers actively participating in community based disaster risk management planning exercise.

The recent disasters have highlighted the need for long-term and sustained engagement on disaster risk reduction issues in the countries. The Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) adopted at the World Conference in 2005, in which Myanmar is a signatory provides strategic guidance on all aspects of disaster risk reduction. The ASEAN Agreement of Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) have also been ratified by all the ASEAN member countries in order to address sustainable reduction of disaster risks. At the national level there is an institutional mechanism i.e. National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee (NDPCC) chaired by the Prime Minister. Recently the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has developed a national plan, the Myanmar Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (MAPDRR) which gives enough opportunities for informing on a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Programme at all levels.

Community volunteer at Satt Kyunn Village, Bogale Township demonstrate first-aid rescue techniques during a disaster risk reduction drill.

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