Myanmar Spring Chronicle – September 12,
(MoeMaKa) September 13, 2024
Comparing the 2024 Flood Disaster to Cyclone Nargis
Sixteen years ago, Cyclone Nargis devastated the entire Ayeyarwady region and parts of Yangon Division, becoming one of the worst natural disasters in Myanmar’s modern history. The death toll surpassed that of prolonged wars, and the destruction of livelihoods was severe. Entire families perished in floods, with some surviving alone, while entire villages saw women and children swept away, leaving only men behind in some areas. These heartbreaking events unfolded in villages across the Ayeyarwady region.
Cyclone Nargis struck on the night of May 5, 2008, and by the following afternoon, the devastation was apparent. At first glance, those who experienced it couldn’t comprehend the magnitude of the destruction until the death toll began to climb over the next few days, reaching over 130,000. This number only accounted for confirmed deaths, excluding the missing.
The main lesson from this tragedy was the lack of disaster preparedness, early warnings, and the ability of government agencies to respond and rescue. Under the military junta, these systems failed, leading to an unthinkable loss of life.
In the immediate aftermath, rescue operations were slow, and the government was suspicious of international aid. This delayed response contributed to the spread of post-flood diseases, worsening the death toll. The military regime, led by General Than Shwe, was skeptical of foreign governments and humanitarian organizations, restricting aid distribution and using it for political gain.
The military’s distrust of international aid prevented the public from receiving adequate assistance. The junta’s control over aid distribution was a point of contention, with some international organizations refusing to cooperate under these conditions. However, one positive outcome of the disaster was the emergence of grassroots civilian rescue and relief groups, born out of the necessity to help fellow citizens.
The 2024 flood disaster in early September, while not caused by a cyclone, has affected a vast region, including Shan State, Mandalay Division, Karenni areas, and parts of eastern Bago Division. Meteorologists had predicted the remnants of Typhoon Haikui, which struck China, could bring heavy rains and flooding to central and eastern Myanmar. However, the current military regime failed to issue adequate warnings or evacuate people in time due to a lack of trust and organizational ability.
Major towns like Pyawbwe in Mandalay Division, Tatkon near Naypyidaw, Yamethin, Taungoo, Tachileik in Shan State, Kalaw, Aungban, Nyaungshwe, Shwe Nyaung, and parts of southern and eastern Shan State have been severely impacted by the floods, affecting hundreds of villages and tens of thousands of people. The initial reports of deaths and destruction are only a glimpse of the full extent of the disaster, which is still unfolding.
The military junta is responsible for issuing early warnings and coordinating rescue efforts, but their failure to do so is reminiscent of the Cyclone Nargis disaster. Once again, the lack of adequate disaster preparedness and early warnings has led to preventable deaths and destruction.
At this moment, the military regime urgently needs to assist those in danger. Political parties, politicians, and the media should pressure the regime to allow civilian and international humanitarian organizations to operate freely and provide aid. The media, in particular, should actively disseminate information and raise awareness about the disaster.
In some countries, during natural disasters, warring factions have temporarily set aside their conflicts to unite for the public’s welfare. Unfortunately, such cooperation remains a distant hope for Myanmar.