The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Myanmar issued a public notice on climate change developments on 21 May, stating that calculations indicate conditions are favourable for the possible occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon in terms of sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions over the tropical Pacific Ocean near the equator. At present, Myanmar, as well as other Asian countries, is experiencing abnormal weather patterns associated with the effects of El Niño.
In general, El Niño usually occurs once every five to seven years, but in recent years it has been observed occurring once every two or three years. When the El Niño phenomenon becomes strong, it can spread globally from the South American region, leading to increasingly severe climate abnormalities.

Therefore, as El Niño conditions have already begun to emerge in 2026, extreme weather events such as abnormal rainfall patterns, higher daytime temperatures, irregular storm occurrences, drought, and water shortages may occur as a result. Accordingly, all relevant organizations and the public are urged to remain alert to climate change and take special measures for advance preparedness and necessary precautionary actions.

According to measurements, calculations and studies conducted by international meteorological agencies, mathematical model forecasts indicate that weak El Niño conditions may begin to develop from June 2026 and could strengthen into a strong El Niño condition by the end of 2026. Although El Niño is a phenomenon that normally occurs in the Pacific Ocean, its impacts generally include abnormal rainfall patterns, higher daytime temperatures, irregular storm occurrences, drought and water shortages, as well as other extreme weather events.
The El Niño event that occurred during 1997-1998 was the most severe and intense on record, causing widespread impacts across the world. The total value of losses and damages caused by the event amounted to US$34 billion. There were 24,000 deaths, 533,000 injuries, six million displaced persons, a total of 111 million people affected, and 56 million acres of land impacted. In Myanmar, 18 major cities recorded new highest temperature records, while 15 major cities recorded new lowest rainfall records.
The strong El Niño that occurred during 2015-2016 also brought record-breaking heat and drought conditions. During 2016, record wildfires, diseases directly related to extreme heat and dryness, as well as shortages and difficulties in obtaining drinking water, were experienced. In general, there may be risks of extreme heat, wildfires, severe drought, and shortages of drinking water; therefore, preparations and preventive measures should be made in advance.
Therefore, as El Niño conditions have already begun to emerge in 2026, extreme weather events such as abnormal rainfall patterns, higher daytime temperatures, irregular storm occurrences, drought, and water shortages may occur as a result. Accordingly, all relevant organizations and the public are urged to remain alert to climate change and take special measures for advance preparedness and necessary precautionary actions.

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Photo: Gemini

The State enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law in 2015 to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, and the by-laws were issued in 2017. The National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was reconstituted on 24 August 2023, and the activities of disability classification and registration of persons with disabilities were carried out in four townships during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, Goal 8 includes creating decent employment opportunities and ensuring equal pay for persons with disabilities, as well as reducing youth unemployment and promoting their inclusion in the labour market. Goal 10 also emphasizes enabling persons with disabilities to participate in social, economic, and political activities.

To further improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, ensure equal rights with others, and promote respect for their dignity and capabilities, the entire society is encouraged to work together. Accordingly, parents and guardians, local authorities, and social organizations are urged to provide collective support and assistance so that qualified persons with disabilities can access education to improve their lives.

The 2024 Population and Housing Census data stated that 2.29 million people, accounting for 7.6 per cent of the population aged five years and above, have at least one type of disability in Myanmar. By type of disability, the most common categories nationwide are 4.1 per cent visual impairment, 3.1 per cent people with difficulty in mobility, such as handling objects, walking, or climbing stairs, 2.8 per cent people with memory or learning difficulties, and 2.7 per cent people with hearing impairment.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has established institutions, including a school for the blind in Yangon and Sagaing, schools for deaf children in Yangon and Mandalay, a training school for adults with disabilities in Mayangon Township, Yangon Region, training schools for children with disabilities in Yangon and Mandalay, and a care home for children with disabilities in Yangon.
Persons with disabilities need access to vocational education, employment opportunities, and personal income to live with dignity and independence. In Myanmar, persons with disabilities are supported through inclusive education, where they learn alongside others in mainstream schools, as well as through special education schools established for students with visual, hearing, and intellectual disabilities. In addition, vocational and technical training programmes are being provided to help them acquire skills and earn their own income.
To further improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, ensure equal rights with others, and promote respect for their dignity and capabilities, the entire society is encouraged to work together. Accordingly, parents and guardians, local authorities, and social organizations are urged to provide collective support and assistance so that qualified persons with disabilities can access education to improve their lives.

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Tourism and travel are the third-largest export industry in the world. Depending on each country’s available resources, various types of tourism are being developed globally, including cultural and heritage tourism, nature-based tourism, ecotourism, culinary tourism, agricultural tourism, adventure tourism, cruise tourism, and many other forms of travel activities.
In order to attract more international tourists, every country is carrying out promotional and marketing activities. Myanmar has abundant natural landscapes, forests, mountains, and a rich ancient cultural heritage, which are of great interest to visitors. If the tourism sector expands, more job opportunities will become available for the public. An increase in foreign visitors will also contribute to the development of local economies and bring in foreign exchange earnings.
Tourism can generate benefits such as promoting cultural exchange between countries, fostering mutual understanding, and spreading positive information about one’s own nation. The growth of the global travel and tourism sector has demonstrated its resilience among countries, even amid inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions.

Regarding economic matters, relevant ministries need to coordinate and cooperate to promote the development of both inbound and outbound tourism. At the same time, local authorities and communities are also required to work together in collaboration. If attractive local environments and appealing services can be provided, tourist arrivals will increase, and the social and economic conditions of the region will also improve. In terms of travel, accommodation, and food, it is necessary to learn from other developed regions and countries, and to make the destination attractive to visit, stay, and travel.

In global GDP, the worldwide travel and tourism sector reached a record contribution of US$11.6 trillion in 2025. This accounted for 9.8 per cent of the global economy and generated up to 366 million jobs worldwide, creating one out of every three new jobs. It is reported that international tourist spending has recovered and now exceeds pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
Regarding economic matters, relevant ministries need to coordinate and cooperate to promote the development of both inbound and outbound tourism. At the same time, local authorities and communities are also required to work together in collaboration. If attractive local environments and appealing services can be provided, tourist arrivals will increase, and the social and economic conditions of the region will also improve. In terms of travel, accommodation, and food, it is necessary to learn from other developed regions and countries, and to make the destination attractive to visit, stay, and travel.
All responsible authorities must properly supervise efforts to create a pleasant, attractive, and well-disciplined environment. At the same time, all staff are required to comply, and all members of the public who must maintain discipline through their own awareness should work together in cooperation.
To make towns and villages greener, cleaner, and more orderly; to properly identify, showcase, and preserve cultural heritage sites and prominent landmarks; to develop and promote local foods, traditional foods, and regionally representative souvenir products with high quality standards; and to showcase local culture – these responsibilities should be collectively embraced and practised as duties by all residents.

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Myanmar experiences climate change impacts every year. Due to climate change, natural disasters frequently occur. Heavy rainfalls, strong winds, lightning, thunderstorms, landslides, and flooding trigger difficulties for the public. As these are no longer isolated incidents but recurring annual occurrences, the public must make preparations in advance to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters.
Within the next few days, the southwest monsoon is expected to begin entering the southern parts of Myanmar. The early monsoon period is a time when natural disasters are likely to occur. Due to the impacts of global climate change, natural disasters may occur more frequently and with greater intensity. Due to the geographical conditions of Myanmar, people have to take care of the likelihood of damage and losses when natural disasters occur.
In Myanmar, the peak periods for cyclones are the pre-monsoon season from mid-April to May and the post-monsoon season during October and November. When cyclones occur, they can bring three types of destructive forces: strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges caused by the cyclone. Storm surges can become particularly high and may travel inland through coastal rivers. Moreover, heavy rainfall can cause river flooding, runoff from mountain areas, and flash floods.

Weather conditions and unusual meteorological events occurring from day to day are being announced by the relevant authorities in a timely manner. At the same time, public awareness campaigns on disaster prevention and preparedness are being carried out through the media. As such, all members of the public are urged to anticipate the possibility of natural disasters and protect themselves through advance preparation and preventive measures.

Flash flooding occurs when heavy rainfall in upper river regions or highland areas causes a sudden and massive flow of water, which then erodes and destroys areas along its path. In the upper central regions of Myanmar, some streams have remained dry for many years, leading people to build houses and live around those stream areas. When sudden flooding occurs, those living in such places can suffer loss of life and property.
Among severe weather changes, lightning strikes have also been occurring more frequently. It is reported that in some countries around the world, lightning strikes have caused deaths among both humans and animals. In Myanmar as well, more than 100 people die annually due to lightning strikes, with injuries and deaths of cattle and other animals also occurring. During the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, special caution should be taken against lightning from the afternoon until around 6 pm.
Weather conditions and unusual meteorological events occurring from day to day are being announced by the relevant authorities in a timely manner. At the same time, public awareness campaigns on disaster prevention and preparedness are being carried out through the media. As such, all members of the public are urged to anticipate the possibility of natural disasters and protect themselves through advance preparation and preventive measures.

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The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has announced that the southwest monsoon may enter the southern parts of Myanmar between 13 and 18 May, the delta regions between 19 and 24 May, the central regions between 25 and 30 May, and the northern regions between 31 May and 5 June.
The early monsoon period in Myanmar begins from the time the southwest monsoon enters the country and lasts until the end of June. The late monsoon period starts on 1 September 2026 and continues until the southwest monsoon withdraws completely from the entire country. During both the early and late monsoon periods, low-pressure systems commonly form in the Bay of Bengal. Some of these low-pressure areas may intensify further and develop into tropical depressions or storms.

Recently, due to rising temperatures and the formation of convective cloud systems, some upper parts of Myanmar experienced unusually heavy rainfall and sudden strong winds. Some lower regions of Myanmar also experienced strong winds. Since natural disasters are experienced annually, there is no need for special preparations beyond normal precautionary living for residents. However, it is important not to neglect preparedness measures against unforeseen and unpredictable weather conditions.

In various parts of Myanmar, during the pre-monsoon period starting this May, and before the arrival of the southwest monsoon, unstable atmospheric conditions are expected. As a result, cumulonimbus clouds may form during the afternoons and evenings each day. Due to these conditions, weather events such as strong winds, thunderstorms with gusty winds, lightning and thunder, hail, tornadoes, and scattered heavy showers may occur. During periods of strong winds, surface wind speeds may reach between 40 and 50 miles per hour, according to the advisory.
Recently, due to rising temperatures and the formation of convective cloud systems, some upper parts of Myanmar experienced unusually heavy rainfall and sudden strong winds. Some lower regions of Myanmar also experienced strong winds. Since natural disasters are experienced annually, there is no need for special preparations beyond normal precautionary living for residents. However, it is important not to neglect preparedness measures against unforeseen and unpredictable weather conditions.
According to weather forecasts, about two low-pressure systems may form over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. One of these may intensify further and develop into a tropical depression. Consequently, the southwest monsoon is expected to remain at a moderate strength. Scattered thunderstorms with rainfall around normal levels may occur in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Sagaing and Ayeyawady regions. In Lower Myanmar, Central Myanmar, and in Chin, Rakhine and Shan states, scattered thunderstorms are expected during the second week of May.
Due to high temperatures in summer, people have been hoping for rainfall with the arrival of the southwest monsoon to relieve the heat, and it is necessary to prepare in advance and take precautions during both the early and late monsoon periods in accordance with official announcements regarding natural disaster risks.

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Photo: Gemini

Myanmar has, within a relatively short period since 2021, had to endure and overcome severe natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic began in Myanmar in late 2020 and intensified in 2021. Through the joint efforts of Tatmadaw members and healthcare workers in prevention and treatment activities, the country was able to overcome the pandemic with comparatively limited losses.
On 14 May 2023, due to the extremely powerful Cyclone Mocha, there were casualties in Rakhine State, and numerous office buildings, residential houses, schools, hospitals, and religious buildings were severely damaged and destroyed. The Government and Tatmadaw jointly and immediately carried out rescue and reconstruction operations for the local people affected by the cyclone, with particular emphasis on restoring conditions to better than their original state.
Furthermore, on 11 September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi, which originated in the South China Sea, caused the heaviest rainfall in 70 years in Nay Pyi Taw, Kayah State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, and Mon State, resulting in widespread flooding. In response, Tatmadaw worked in cooperation with the Government and the public to carry out intensive rescue and rehabilitation operations. Similarly, following the extremely powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025, which caused casualties and extensive structural damage in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, and the Sagaing Region, rescue, clearance, and reconstruction efforts were carried out with the participation of both Tatmadaw members and the public.

Through the cooperation of the Government, relevant departments, volunteer groups, and Tatmadaw members, the country was able to mobilize strong capabilities to overcome the difficulties it faced. Thanks to their rehabilitation efforts within a short period, people in Rakhine State affected by the cyclone were able to regain access to food, shelter, and necessities and quickly return to safe housing. Whenever emergencies arise, it is hereby reiterated with appreciation and recognition that efforts will be continuously and energetically made to serve the interests of the State and the people in cooperation with the public, in all respective sectors, in accord with the motto: “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People”.

At the ceremony held on 8 April to present commemorative awards in recognition of disaster rehabilitation efforts, senior officials who had dutifully carried out their responsibilities were formally acknowledged and honoured. The Head of State also stated that, in the future, whenever national emergencies arise, arrangements should be made for Tatmadaw to effectively contribute to the public interest; that Tatmadaw members are actively and energetically carrying out public welfare activities in their respective roles.
Through the cooperation of the Government, relevant departments, volunteer groups, and Tatmadaw members, the country was able to mobilize strong capabilities to overcome the difficulties it faced. Thanks to their rehabilitation efforts within a short period, people in Rakhine State affected by the cyclone were able to regain access to food, shelter, and necessities and quickly return to safe housing. Whenever emergencies arise, it is hereby reiterated with appreciation and recognition that efforts will be continuously and energetically made to serve the interests of the State and the people in cooperation with the public, in all respective sectors, in accord with the motto: “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People”.

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Mother Earth is facing different types of degradation due to environmental impacts based on the undisciplined use of plastics and extreme extraction of natural resources, including fossil fuels, and man-made acidic impacts.
As such, Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Now is the time for all global people to save Mother Earth as well as conserve the natural environment. Especially, we have to avoid the use of plastics and plastic products as much as possible. If unavoidably, we need to systematically use the least volume of plastic products and dispose of them carefully in ways without harming the society.
In truth, for human beings, the Earth is the one that bears the weight of trees, the one that cradles the seas and oceans, the one that nourishes blooming flowers with the milk of its heart. Yet now, because of human neglect and disregard, that very Earth has long been showing signs of illness and declining health due to uneasily decayed plastic waste.

As for Myanmar, in order to help protect the Earth from pollution, it is necessary to reduce the widespread use of plastic packaging materials. Efforts should be made to minimize plastic waste, reuse it as much as possible, and recycle such waste into consumer products. In other words, if the government provides full support – through necessary technologies and other forms of assistance – to micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises which develop environmentally friendly alternative materials to replace plastics, it would contribute, in part, to reducing the threat of plastic pollution currently faced by our planet.

For this, we have to simply reduce the use of plastics and dispose of them properly. We should cut down on the excessive use of chemicals that harm Mother Earth and human society. We must use freshwater carefully and avoid wasting it. As much as possible, we should prioritize and make use of renewable energy. Above all, we should help restore the Earth’s beauty by planting and caring for the trees we cherish, and work together to reduce rising global temperatures and the degradation of the natural environment.
As for Myanmar, in order to help protect the Earth from pollution, it is necessary to reduce the widespread use of plastic packaging materials. Efforts should be made to minimize plastic waste, reuse it as much as possible, and recycle such waste into consumer products. In other words, if the government provides full support – through necessary technologies and other forms of assistance – to micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises which develop environmentally friendly alternative materials to replace plastics, it would contribute, in part, to reducing the threat of plastic pollution currently faced by our planet.
The theme for Earth Day 2026 is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’. Find out how to get involved now and on Earth Day, which falls on 22 April 2026. For this International Mother Earth Day, let’s remind ourselves that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Let’s promote harmony with nature and the Earth. Join the global movement to restore our world!

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Photo: Gemini

At present, the new State machinery is being formed in accordance with the Constitution, and the respective components of the legislative, executive, and judicial estates are beginning to take shape. In the Myanmar New Year, following the Thingyan festival, everyone must work together in unity – with renewed people, renewed spirit, renewed strength, new thinking, and new perspectives – to build a modern and developed new nation.
Building a new nation means overcoming conditions of slow and lagging development and rising towards a state of rapid progress and growth. In doing so, obstacles that hinder development must be identified and removed, and conditions that enable development must be created. In this process, efforts must build upon both the positive and negative legacies. As such, while many challenges lie ahead for the new government and the people, some opportunities must be seized.
In recent years, Myanmar has consecutively faced major man-made and natural disasters, resulting in significant losses of human resources, financial resources, and natural resources. Armed terrorist groups remain dispersed across various regions within the country and continue to commit destructive acts under the pretext of differing political ideologies.

Among the challenges that will continue to be faced in the country’s future, natural disasters must be addressed through advanced preparedness and preventive measures, as well as by building a resilient society capable of withstanding such hazards. As for man-made threats such as armed terrorists, on one hand, the path to peace will be kept open for those willing to engage in peace talks; on the other hand, destructive elements threatening the State must be decisively suppressed through the joint efforts of Tatmadaw and the people.

Their anti-government destructive activities have led to the damage and destruction of many infrastructures that had been built over long periods for the benefit of the people. In addition, unscrupulous elements are maliciously inciting divisions from multiple angles, including ethnic and religious lines, with the intent to erode moral values, undermine unity, foster hatred, and destabilize society.
Among the challenges that will continue to be faced in the country’s future, natural disasters must be addressed through advanced preparedness and preventive measures, as well as by building a resilient society capable of withstanding such hazards. As for man-made threats such as armed terrorists, on one hand, the path to peace will be kept open for those willing to engage in peace talks; on the other hand, destructive elements threatening the State must be decisively suppressed through the joint efforts of Tatmadaw and the people.
In carrying out efforts for national stability and development, the Government must assume more effective leadership to bring about changes in both infrastructure and the mindset and perceptions of the people. In building a nation, domestic strength is the primary and central factor. Therefore, it is essential for the Government, Tatmadaw, and the people to work together in unity guided by the four principles of leadership: desire, effort, will, and wisdom, and to strive collectively towards national progress.

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Photo: Gemini

At the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw’s oath-taking ceremony, the inauguration of the new government began with a speech delivered by the President. This address also serves to present the objectives, policies, and positions of the new government to the people through the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. The entire population across the country has already seen and heard the President’s speech through the media.
In his speech, it was stated that the new government will set and implement objectives aimed at strengthening a genuine and disciplined multiparty democratic system; building a Union based on democracy and federal principles; promoting the education and health sectors; developing MSMEs; increasing domestic and foreign investment; reducing poverty and improving the lives of farmers; enhancing socioeconomic conditions of the population; promoting the use of renewable energy; expanding public transport; strengthening friendly relations with neighbouring countries; ensuring fairness and integrity in the courts; and upholding the rule of law.

Myanmar is endowed with strong potential for economic development in various sectors; however, it remains impoverished due to an inability to fully identify and utilize its available opportunities. In terms of its geographical location, geopolitics, geoeconomics, and natural resource endowment, the country faces both challenges and opportunities. The essential requirement is for the entire nation to work together with unity and coordinated effort.

In recent years, Myanmar has consecutively faced major natural disasters year after year, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Cyclone Mocha, Typhoon Yagi, and the powerful Mandalay earthquake. During these years, armed terrorists also committed violent attacks and destructive activities in many areas across the country. As a result of these circumstances, Myanmar’s poverty rate has risen to about one-third of the population, with rural areas experiencing an even higher level of poverty.
According to international historical experience, the emergence of effective and capable leadership is a key requirement for national development. For development to be achieved, both the people and the leadership must possess strong determination and sincere commitment, and they must also be imbued with a firm and resilient sense of national spirit in order to make sustained efforts. If a country truly wishes to develop, all of its citizens must genuinely work together.
Myanmar is endowed with strong potential for economic development in various sectors; however, it remains impoverished due to an inability to fully identify and utilize its available opportunities. In terms of its geographical location, geopolitics, geoeconomics, and natural resource endowment, the country faces both challenges and opportunities. The essential requirement is for the entire nation to work together with unity and coordinated effort.
As such, the new government is firmly committed to working hand in hand with the people in unity to overcome all challenges across various sectors. Accordingly, all citizens and ethnic nationalities have to join together with a single spirit and shared purpose to confront and overcome these challenges, and to make sustained and determined efforts toward the development of the nation.

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Myanmar is an agriculture-based country. The government is making efforts to ensure a sufficient food supply for the population. People living in rural areas mainly engage in agriculture and livestock breeding as their primary livelihoods. In cooperation with the government, all citizens need to work together to ensure food security and surplus production for the public, as well as to meet the needs of farmers.
At present, due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, fuel shortages are being experienced worldwide. Along with rising fuel prices, the US dollar exchange rate has also increased slightly, leading to higher costs for all imported goods. As a result, domestic commodity prices may also rise accordingly. Therefore, the government is making arrangements to ensure sufficient fuel supply for public transport and production sectors.

Due to ongoing conflicts, the rise in foreign currency prices has made it necessary to reduce the use of foreign exchange. As Myanmar imports edible oil annually to meet domestic demand, a significant amount of foreign currency is being spent. Therefore, the cultivation of oilseed crops such as sunflower, soybean, and sesame, which can be grown domestically, needs to be expanded. If sunflower production further increased, it would help reduce edible oil imports and, consequently, lower foreign currency expenditure.

Although fuel shortages have created difficulties for vehicle owners, the government is ensuring that essential inputs, such as water, fuel, and fertilizers, required by farmers, who are working to secure food sufficiency across Myanmar, are adequately supplied without disruption. In carrying out irrigation activities, efforts are also being made to reduce fuel consumption by implementing solar-powered river water pumping systems.
Due to rising fuel prices and the resulting increase in fertilizer prices, efforts need to be made to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and promote greater use of natural fertilizers. At the same time, necessary fertilizers for agricultural activities will be supported to ensure they reach farmers at affordable prices, including through assistance measures and by reducing taxes and duties as much as possible. Among the three necessities of life, food is the most essential. Efforts must be made to address the current challenges in ensuring food security.
Due to ongoing conflicts, the rise in foreign currency prices has made it necessary to reduce the use of foreign exchange. As Myanmar imports edible oil annually to meet domestic demand, a significant amount of foreign currency is being spent. Therefore, the cultivation of oilseed crops such as sunflower, soybean, and sesame, which can be grown domestically, needs to be expanded. If sunflower production further increased, it would help reduce edible oil imports and, consequently, lower foreign currency expenditure.
Therefore, efforts must be made to ensure that farmers are provided, to the extent possible, with the necessary inputs required to support their role in continuously supplying sufficient food for the entire population. Meanwhile, farmers are strongly urged to make greater use of natural fertilizers to help reduce foreign currency expenditure and to strive for increased productivity of the agricultural sector.

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