Villagers and IDPs affected by flooding

12 Jul 2019

Aung Htein and Soe Aung | DMG

12 July, Sittwe

Arakanese people who have been left homeless due to the armed conflict in Arakan State are now being affected by flooding.

Following the incessant rainfall, the Sin Baw Kaing refugee camp located at the bank of the Lay Myo River has been submerged which affects IDPs living in over 400 tents in the camp. They urgently need to be evacuated to alternative locations.

Refugees from about 100 tents have currently been evacuated and refugees from over 300 tents cannot be relocated at the moment, relief workers said.

“We can’t predict when they can be evacuated. They have to stay in the camp until donors can be found to build new shelters for them at the new location,” said Ko Khaing Min Shin who is providing relief aid at the camp.

Meanwhile, the flood also hit the Myadasaung IDP camp in Mrauk-U Township and affected people living in over 70 tents out of about 100 tents in the camp.

“The camp is swamped, but the shelters are not submerged yet. But, only six inches of water have entered the tents. They are staying in their shelters in the day time. They sleep at the monastery at night. We are watching the situation, if it gets worse there will be difficulties for them,” said Myadasaung Sayardaw from the monastery said on 11 July.

New shelters should be built for IDPs at on higher ground, but the camp management team is facing a financial crisis and is waiting for donors.

“We urgently need donors to build tents for refugees on higher land,” the monk said.

The recent non-stop rain in Arakan State has triggered a deluge in some wards and villages in Minbya and Mrauk-U Townships. 

Ko Nay Myo Tun, manager of the Minbya Parahita Youth Network, said: “It is raining continuously. Meanwhile, the river is overflowing over its banks. So, the flooding might be worse than now and local residents from the town might be affected. If flood waters continue to rise, local residents will be at risk.”

During the flood, schools from some wards in Minbya town have been closed. But, an Arakan State MP U Hla Thein Aung said that the schools were shut down unofficially because students could not go to school because they’re concerned about their safety during the floods.