Myanmar — Flooding Hits Kayin State

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26 Aug 2020 - Source: Communal News
  • Locals told reporters that floodwaters had been flowing into the area since the evening of August 24 and were now rising up in some areas.
  • According to locals, relief camps are being set up at places such as Islamic charity schools.
  • The water level in Hpa-an is 750 cm and the water level in the Salween River is currently more than 4 feet above the danger level.

BoBo Wi Maung, Minister for Social Affairs in the Burmese state of Kayin, told reporters that six flood relief camps had been set up in Hpa-an, Kayin State, due to the rising Salween River, and said more than 1,200 people had been evacuated from their homes to relief camps.

He said that because of the Coronavirus period, people were classified according to the COVID-19 disease prevention rules. Locals say the Salween River is flooding lower areas, including Ward 5 and Ward 1 in Hpa-an.

Locals told reporters that floodwaters had been flowing into the area since the evening of August 24 and were now rising up in some areas. According to locals, relief camps are being set up at places such as Islamic charity schools.

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, relief camps have been set up with COVID-19 protection regulations and preparedness for flood-related health problems, said Bo Bo Wai Maung, the Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs.

"Dengue fever is also a serious concern. Today, when we distribute relief supplies, we also provide medicine for diarrhea," said Bo Bo Wai Maung.

According to the Kayin State government, floods in Hpa-an and Shwegun have caused floods and landslides in townships such as Hpapun and Kawkareik. In addition, villages along the river are flooded, said Kayin State Social Affairs Minister Bo Bo Wai Maung.

The water level in Hpa-an is 750 cm and the water level in the Salween River is currently more than 4 feet above the danger level, according to the Meteorological and Hydrological Department. The state Meteorological and Hydrological Department told reporters that the water level reached 791 cm above the danger level of 750 cm at 11:30 am on August 23.

BoBo Wai Maung, the Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs, said on August 23 that relief and emergency evacuations were in place. The river level is rising due to continued rains in many parts of Kayin State.

Residents along the river need to be vigilant, and the Kayin State government has issued guidelines to departmental officials to be prepared for timely search and rescue operations. On the morning of August 24, the Kayin State Chief Minister and government officials visited the low-lying areas of Hpa-an, where the Salween River is flooded.

A resident of Hpa-an's Shwe Pha Si housing estate told reporters that the Hpa-an River had not yet receded and water level in the house was about halfway down.

3,000 Bags of Dried Rice Donated to Rakhine State

Myanmar Rice Traders Association, under the auspices of the Myanmar Rice Federation, Myanmar Rice Millers Association, and member companies, donated a total of 3,000 bags of dry rice to Rakhine State in August 25, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation.

On August 25, 3,000 bags of dry rice were donated for use in Facilities Quarantine activities to prevent COVID-19 disease in Rakhine State. It was donated to the Prime Minister and officials. The Rakhine State government has returned the certificate to the Myanmar Rice Federation for the donation, according to the union.

Currently, the rate of COVID-19 infection is rising in Rakhine State, and there is a high rate of domestic infection without a history of travel abroad. The Myanmar Rice Federation plans to produce 1.5 million tonnes of rice per month in July and August 2020 and 100,000 tonnes in September.

A total of 400,000 tonnes is expected to be exported, and efforts will be made to meet the target of 2.4 million tonnes in the
2019-2020 fiscal year. By - Benedict Kasigara


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