Salai Moe Aung, Narinjara News, 2 August 2024

Villages in Mrauk-U, Minbya, and Kyauktawtownships in Arakan State are experiencing severe flooding due to continuousheavy rains and rising river water levels.

In Mrauk-U and Minbya townships, the risingwater levels of the Lemro River have flooded nearby villages. 

A resident from Pan Myaung village reportedthat the affected villages include Poe Phyu Kyun, Sin Baw Kaing, and Nyaung PinHla in Mrauk-U Township, and Pan Myaung, Gwa Sone, Pwel Ya Kan Seik, Shwe Kyan,and Pyin Yaung in Minbya Township.

“It has been raining continuously for over twoweeks. The river water levels have been rising steadily, and by yesterdayafternoon, the water was slowly creeping into the compound. Other low-lyingvillages have been under water for days. In Pan Myaung village, the river waterhas flooded the low-lying areas and even reached the houses,” he said.

He added that if the heavy rain continues, theLemro River water levels might rise further, increasing the risk of morevillages being flooded.

The rising water levels are also causingdifficulties for vegetable growers who rely on the Lemro River for irrigation. 

Due to the ongoing rains and floods, vegetablesare being harvested prematurely and sold amid the flood conditions.

A woman who depends on the river for her cropssaid, “The flood has destroyed all of our plantations. The continuous rainbefore the flood had already damaged some plants. Now, with the floodwaterscovering our eggplant and pepper crops, they will likely perish once the waterrecedes, as their stems can’t survive underwater. We’re having to harvest thevegetables prematurely to prevent them from being washed away.”

In Kyauktaw township, heavy rainfall has causedthe Kaladan River's water level to rise, leading to flooding in the villages ofKan Sauk, Pan Be Chaung, Chaung Thu, Gwa Sone, and Oak Thaung Pyin in the YoeChaung area.

A villager from Gwa Sone reported, “All thevillages surrounding Gwa Sone have been flooded. The water level has risen to3-4 feet, and the paddy fields are also submerged.”

A local resident noted that several villagesand paddy fields between Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U have been affected by theflooding.

“The Nyaung Chaung village camp at the Kyauktawexit point is entirely submerged, including the dormitories. The nearbyvillages are also experiencing flooding,” he said.

Arakan State has been enduring continuous heavyrains since the third week of July. 

Heavy rains began early on July 25, leading toflooding in Taungup Township, Gwa Township, and Thandwe Township.

The Arakan Peasant Union estimates that thefloods could devastate many acres of cultivated land in the affected townships.