Floods destroy farmlands, crops in Mrauk-U Twsp

By Admin 13 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

13 July 2026, Mrauk-U

Severe flooding has destroyed paddy fields and vegetable plantations across Mrauk-U Township, leaving farmers struggling to resume agricultural activities, according to local residents.

Farmers said newly planted paddy fields remained submerged for nearly a week. Covered by thick layers of silt and mud, many young paddy plants are unlikely to survive.

"It rained for nearly 11 days and the floods lasted about seven days, meaning all the early-sown paddy crops will die. Farmers who planted late and medium-maturing rice varieties in deep-water areas are also facing complete crop losses," said U San Thein Hla, a farmer from Kyiyarpyin Village in Mrauk-U Township.

"To replant, we have to prepare the land again, which means paying the cultivation costs twice. Farmers whose crops were destroyed urgently need paddy seeds and financial assistance," he added.

Farmers in Arakan State had already reduced the area under cultivation this year due to rising production costs, including higher prices for fertilizer, tractor rentals and other agricultural inputs. The recent flooding has further reduced their ability to recover.

Small-scale vegetable growers also suffered heavy losses after floodwaters destroyed their plantations.

Amid ongoing armed conflict, unemployment and rising commodity prices, the destruction of crops that many families depend on for their livelihoods has dealt a severe blow to local communities.

"More than 10 plantations in our village were destroyed. We depend entirely on farming for our livelihood. Now that everything is gone, our family's income has collapsed, affecting both our survival and our children's education," said Daw Ni Ni, a plantation owner from Myaungbwe Village in Mrauk-U Township. "To replant, we urgently need financial assistance, vegetable seeds and bamboo to rebuild the plantation structures."

Continuous heavy rains since 4 July have caused severe flooding across at least eight townships in Arakan State, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.

Although floodwaters have begun to recede, several low-lying areas remain flooded, and affected communities continue to need emergency assistance. The flooding has damaged farmlands, crops, roads, bridges and homes, but the full extent of the losses has yet to be assessed.