Incessant Rain Causes River Floods, Submerging Villages in Mrauk-U, Minbya, and Kyauktaw Townships

Salai Moe Aung, Narinjara News, 2 August 2024

Villages in Mrauk-U, Minbya, and Kyauktaw townships in Arakan State are experiencing severe flooding due to continuous heavy rains and rising river water levels.

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

A resident from Pan Myaung village reported that the affected villages include Poe Phyu Kyun, Sin Baw Kaing, and Nyaung Pin Hla 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 two weeks. The river water levels have been rising steadily, and by yesterday afternoon, the water was slowly creeping into the compound. Other low-lying villages have been under water for days. In Pan Myaung village, the river water has flooded the low-lying areas and even reached the houses,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

A villager from Gwa Sone reported, “All the villages surrounding Gwa Sone have been flooded. The water level has risen to 3-4 feet, and the paddy fields are also submerged.”

A local resident noted that several villages and paddy fields between Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U have been affected by the flooding.

“The Nyaung Chaung village camp at the Kyauktaw exit point is entirely submerged, including the dormitories. The nearby villages are also experiencing flooding,” he said.

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

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

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