In the second week of September, continuous rainfall began in Minbya Township. As a result, on September 14, floodwaters surged into Phonthachoung near the Rakhine Yoma mountain range. According to locals, over 260 houses from 13 villages along the banks of Phonthachoung were swept away and destroyed by the floodwaters.
It is report that 13 villages were swept away and destroyed by the floodwaters. These villages are Koinegyi, Kyemagyi, Kyemachay, Pyinchaung, Pyinwa, Tharyetouk, Nattaung (New Village/Old Village), Ywathaywa, Khachemyoung (Lower/Upper), Zinechaung, and Seittaya.
A local from Seittaya Village, who has been affected by the floods, mentioned that many local residents from 13 villages are facing extensive damage to their homes and farmland due to the flood’s impact.
He said, “More than ten thousand acres of farmland along the Phonthachoung have been destroyed. This isn’t the first time we’ve experienced such damage. Since Phonthachoung is located in a low-lying area, we’ve already faced flooding two or three times this year, and the damage has been quite extensive.”
About 26 villages near the Phonthachoung are experiencing annual flood damage, but the locals are reporting that they have not received any assistance. They are calling for help to address their needs.
He said, “We don’t get any help. They do take the list of damages, but we never receive assistance. They collect the damage lists from the farmers, and they never come back.”
Currently, Minbya Township is also one of the townships under the control of the Arakan Army (AA).
Translated by Nga Lar Guage
