Tanintharyi flood victims are in need of assistance

9 August 18 - Water level of Tanintharyi River has exceeded its danger mark for the second time and locals are in need of assistance. 

Starting from one month ago, Tanintharyi Township and its nearby villages were flooded and locals already face many difficulties because they suffered from flooding as long days. 

According to the observation released by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology yesterday morning, the Tanintharyi River water level exceeded over danger level until 24-ft and 3 inches. 

"The villages were flooded nearly one month. The schools were closed in low lying areas. We have to bring the students by boats aiming to attend the classes at the Pawagyunshe village. At present, the flood occurs again. That's why those who are working at the farming and gardening get troubles. They already face transportation access difficulty because they have no boats. Moreover, there are many jobless people in our village. Our village is in urgent need of food. Villagers from low lying areas are now going to the places by bamboo rafts and then they moved onto the mountain," said Kyi Hone, in-charge of Pawa village-tract. 

"Currently, the government allows us to buy the food-stuffs. So, we bought rice, edible oil, snacks and canned fish. Two companies already donated drinking water. The Tanintharyi Chief Minister and a team led by Dr Ko Ko Naing, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement arrived in the flood-hit areas and they provided cash Ks1, 650 per victim as a meal for a day. The schools are now closed because the water level increased again. The school in the downtown of Tanintharyi Township is being flooded. But, the high school level courses are still opened and the remaining primary and middle schools were closed," said MP Ye Myint Swe. 

At present, a road section of Yangon-Myeik-Kawthaung Union Highway is being flooded near lower King and lewtaung villages. 

Due to an increase of Tanintharyi River water level, there are over 20,000 flood victims from 30 villages. 

Tanintharyi River originates from the coastal region of Dawei, flowing along Tanintharyi ranges. Whenever there are heavy rains, river water usually floods. As there is heavy rain the region, flooding has occurred and is continuing without sign of cessation, according to the locals.

​Source: Eleven Myanmar

​Source Link: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/local/14516