YANGON, Nov 20, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Myanmar has set an ultimatum for private construction companies to complete all their cyclone shelter projects underway in cyclone-hit areas by next March, sources with the construction circle said on Friday.
A total of 18 disaster-resistant shelter buildings are being built in cyclone hard-hit areas of Laputta, Bogalay, Phyapon and Dadaye in Ayeyawaddy division and Kungyangone in Yangon division by some local companies -- Yuzana, Htoo, Max Myanmar, Asia World, Shwe Taung, Adin, Wah Wah Win and Ayeyar Shwewah since March this year.
These cyclone shelter buildings, designed to accommodate up to 500 people each, will be used not only as shelters when cyclone strikes but also as schools for children normally, the sources said.
Deadly tropical cyclone Nargis hit five divisions and states -- Ayeyawaddy, Yangon, Bago, Mon and Kayin on May 2 and 3 last year, of which Ayeyawaddy and Yangon inflicted the heaviest casualties and massive infrastructural damage.
The storm has killed 84,537 people, leaving 53,836 missing and 19,359 injured according to official death toll.
During then storm, more than 4,106 schools or 56.6 percent in Ayeyawaddy and Yangon divisions were destroyed, of which 1,255 schools or 30.6 percent totally collapsed, official figures indicated.
