Yangon (AsiaNews) – The destructive toll of monsoon rains and heavy floods that hit large parts of Myanmar in August continues to worsen. According to official estimates, the floods have affected more than a million people, with over a hundred victims, at least 200 thousand displaced people and about 15 thousand houses destroyed.
The disaster has hit 11 of the 14 states that form the Union of Myanmar in varying degrees. The most devastating effects have been reported in the area to the west and northwest of the former Burma, particularly in Chin and Rakhine areas, among the least developed areas of the country.
As is apparent from an official report published on September 1 by the government authorities, more than 1.4 million acres of cropland have been invaded by the water, 840 thousand acres have been destroyed and 1.1 million have suffered heavy damage.
So far only 200 thousand acres have been replanted. The disaster caused huge losses in agriculture and livestock, with enormous repercussions for the whole population in terms of food safety and food reserves.
The Burmese Church and national Caritas (KMSS) immediately activated emergency services to provide aid and relief in the worst affected areas. According to the findings of the emergency plan prepared in August, the national offices have launched support programs in six dioceses scattered in seven different states of Myanmar, where there was the most serious damage. KMSS has taken steps to distribute drinking water, food, basic necessities, tools and temporary housing for 120,437 flood victims.
The National KMSS (Caritas Myanmar) is in contact with the United Nations agencies and various NGOs in the area of the disaster, coordinating with their relief efforts and activities, as well as maintaining an open channel with the leaders of Caritas International (CI). Responding to requests for help launched by KMSS, Caritas International has appealed to the authorities of the various countries to contribute to the emergency.
Even today the various UN agencies in the area, together with 50 NGOs and civil society groups are doing their best to bring concrete help to victims of floods in Myanmar. However, many areas covered by the waters are in serious danger because of the heavy monsoon rains that continue to fall - albeit out of season - on the country
