Myanmar Spring Chronicle – September 21 Scene
(MoeMaKa) September 22, 2024
Consequences of Flooding, Warfare, and Environmental Degradation
This September, five or more regions and states across Myanmar have been hit by sudden floods, leading to casualties, with towns and villages submerged. The devastation includes the loss of lives, homes, livestock, and crops. This series of events has continued for days, even weeks, claiming hundreds of lives, with many people missing. In areas where rivers and streams run through, heavy and rapid flooding has swept away homes, people, and livestock. This widespread destruction, while not the first of its kind in Myanmar, is notable for its extensive reach. Past events of this nature have occurred but not at such a large scale. Environmental damage in vulnerable areas has significantly contributed to the severity of the impact.
Regions that have seen excessive deforestation or land degradation for the exploitation of resources such as gold or other minerals, often with no consideration for flood risks, have suffered the most. For instance, in the Moethee area of Yameethin Township, one of the most affected regions, deforestation for gold mining and subsequent land excavation have destabilized the terrain. This has increased the vulnerability of local farmers and long-established communities to natural disasters. The influx of labor for mining activities has also intensified the scale of casualties.
Similarly, regions in Shan State, Mandalay Division, and Karenni areas have also faced unprecedented flooding, exacerbated by deforestation and extreme weather conditions. The long history of excessive logging and mineral extraction, particularly during previous military regimes, has made the current natural disasters even more catastrophic.
Since the 2021 military coup, unregulated extraction of resources and deforestation have worsened across Myanmar. In Kachin State’s Hpakant region, despite ongoing conflicts, jade mining continues unchecked, with little to no environmental regulation. This is also true in areas like Sagaing’s Alaungdaw Kathapa forest, where illegal logging is rampant. Reports also indicate an unprecedented increase in gold mining activities along the Ayeyarwady and Chindwin rivers in Sagaing.
Calls to protect the environment have become irrelevant in the face of financial pressures, corruption, and ongoing armed conflicts, where revenue for weapons and warfare takes precedence over environmental conservation. As a result, whenever a natural disaster strikes, the loss of life and property is immense.
While communities have rallied to provide aid to flood victims, questions remain about who is responsible for mitigating future risks. The answer, however, remains unclear. The future of Myanmar’s people appears to be out of their control.