Flood in Minbya: One dead, 300 houses damaged, 20 villages submerged

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 19 September 2024

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

The most affected villages include Nat Htauk Ywar Haung, Nat Htauk Ywar Thit, Zai Chaung, Kyay Ma Gyi, Kyay Ma Chey, Kyway Chaung, Pyin Chaung, Kaing Gyi, Pyin Wa, Tha Yet Oak, Ywar Thar Yar, Nga Lin Gyi, 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, the villages were inundated by surging rivers and creeks due to heavy rains during 10 and 15 September. At least 200 houses were completely destroyed by the flood  water, said local residents.

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

“We need food and medical assistance. In areas far from the town, there is no internet or phone service, making the situation even worse. All the food grains have been destroyed, so we urgently need it,” he added.

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

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

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

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

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

The flood victims in the mainland are getting support from the rescuers, but  those in Arakan State are yet to receive any assistance.

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