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)