Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 19 September 2024

A Chin man died in the recent wave of flood that hitMinbya township of  Arakan State. The natural disaster also damaged 300houses across 20 villages and left thousands of residents in an urgent need offood & shelter.

The most affected villages include Nat Htauk YwarHaung, Nat Htauk Ywar Thit, Zai Chaung, Kyay Ma Gyi, Kyay Ma Chey, KywayChaung, Pyin Chaung, Kaing Gyi, Pyin Wa, Tha Yet Oak, Ywar Thar Yar, Nga LinGyi, Upper Ka Chee Myaung, Lower Ka Chee Myaung, Let Pan Kaing, Nat Kan Pyin,Ta Ya Gu Ywar Thit and Ta Ya Gu Ywar Haung.

These villages are mostly inhabited by Chin people.

Located in the upper reach of Lemro river, thevillages were inundated by surging rivers and creeks due to heavy rains during10 and 15 September. At least 200 houses were completely destroyed by theflood  water, said local residents.

A local Christian cleric told Narinjara News that theyneed an emergency aid of  food items as the transportation becomesdifficult and no assistance has been received so far.

“We need food and medical assistance. In areas farfrom the town, there is no internet or phone service, making the situation evenworse. All the food grains have been destroyed, so we urgently need it,” headded.

Ko Zaw Lin Tun, a resident of Let Pan Kaing village,said that rice and paddy, stored in the villages, were submerged as the waterthat rose to over seven feet.

In a flood-affected village named Maung Hla (alsoknown as Yaung Soe) the Chin national died. He was in his 40s and father offour, who hailed from Kyay Ma Gyi village.

"He was washed away by the running flood water ofTha Ywae creek, a tributary of Phone Thar in Minbya locality. His name is foundas Maung Hla," said a source.

Sayar Wai Hin Aung, a prominent social worker, donatedKyats 20 million for the flood affected families on 18 September.

Typhoon Yagi caused flash floods in several regionsand States of Myanmar during the second week of September and it resulted inthe death of  268 individuals and affecting over 600,000 residents.

The flood victims in the mainland are getting supportfrom the rescuers, but  those in Arakan State are yet to receive anyassistance.

Photograph: Flooded Let Pan Kaing village (Photo bySalai Aung Yar Linn)