IDP camp in Mrauk-U at risk of flooding

Sin Baw Kaing IDP camp located near the banks of the Lay Myo River in Mrauk-U Township is at risk from potential floods, according to manager of the camp.

19 Jun 2019

(Sin Baw Kaing IDP camp, Photo_ Myadasaung Sayardaw)

Khaing Roe La | DMG

19 June, Mrauk-U

Sin Baw Kaing IDP camp located near the banks of the Lay Myo River in Mrauk-U Township is at risk from potential floods, according to manager of the camp.

The river floods every year and now water has currently reached near the area where houses are built for refugees and people are concerned about the risk of flooding in the IDP camp, Myadasaung Sayardaw U Nanda Thara, manager of the camp, told the DMG.

“When it was raining, the tide came in and nearly reached some houses. If there is heavy rain in the upper river area the tide will rise over the banks of the river. We are worried about the refugees,” U Nanda Thara said

He added that the situation is disturbing and it is necessary to evacuate refugees because he is concerned about the welfare of elders, pregnant women and children.

More than 3,400 people are taking shelter in the camp and there are 451 bamboo houses roofed with tarpaulin.

People from nine villages located at the upper Lay Myo River such as Crate Chaung, Sarpaung, Alae Ywar, Maw Ywar Thit, Kone Ywar, Maw Ywar Haung and Phayagyi are living in the camp.

The fierce ongoing battles in Arakan State have forced about 50,000 people away from their homes and the refugees are in dire need of food and other supplies.