Norway provides NOK 10 million to assist flood victims in Myanmar

The floods in Myanmar are partly due to a cyclone that has caused heavy rains and strong winds. A number of regions in Myanmar are severely affected, and more heavy rainfall is forecast. The Myanmar authorities are leading the emergency relief response, in close cooperation with the Myanmar Red Cross, the UN, and international and national NGOs. So far, it has been confirmed that 36 people have lost their lives, but this number is uncertain and is expected to rise in the coming days.

Mr Brende informed Myanmar’s Foreign Minister about Norway’s contribution to the flood response efforts when they met in Kuala Lumpur today. Mr Brende is in Malaysia to take part in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

For a number of years, Norway has supported the development of weather warning systems in Asia, so that the local population can be given an early warning when extreme weather is expected. This is particularly important for those whose livelihood is fishing in Myamar’s coastal areas and river deltas. 

‘The damage caused by the floods in Myanmar shows how important it is to increase resilience to natural disasters and extreme weather events. The contributions Norway has made to developing better weather warning services in various countries, including Myanmar, have shown good results. It is crucial that national authorities and development actors intensify their efforts in this area so that more lives can be saved,’ said Mr Brende.