Myanmar Spring Chronicle – September 17th Overview
(MoeMaKa) September 18, 2024
Unity Through Aid for Flood Relief and Reconstruction Efforts
In Myanmar, the rising toll of fatalities and damage caused by flooding and sudden increases in water levels in Shan State, Bago Region, Mandalay Region, Naypyidaw Council Area, and Karen State during the second week of September continues to grow. Emergency rescue operations and relief for survival after the water recedes remain urgently needed.
Most of the flood-affected areas are under the control of the military council, while some towns and villages are in territories controlled by ethnic armed groups and PDFs (People’s Defense Forces). The most severely affected area in eastern Shan State is Tachileik, along with other towns and villages suffering casualties and damage.
In Mandalay Region, towns like Yamethin, Myittha, Wundwin, and Pyawbwe experienced significant loss of life and damage. In the Naypyidaw Council Area, the town of Tatkon and other surrounding areas have faced severe flooding, causing fatalities and extensive destruction.
Additionally, in Bago Region, southern towns like Taungoo and Yedashe, located about 50 miles south of Naypyidaw, are still grappling with the severe impacts of the floods.
According to statements from the military council, more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed, and over 150,000 homes have been flooded across 56 townships. Around 160,000 people have been affected by the floods. However, the actual figures may exceed these numbers, as the data excludes areas not under military council control. Livestock losses include over 120,000 animals, and over 640,000 acres of farmland have been submerged.
These figures highlight the devastation, with thousands of livestock dead and vast swathes of rice and other crops destroyed, severely affecting food security both locally and nationally.
At present, it is unclear how much aid the military council is providing in terms of emergency relief, as no detailed figures or estimates have been made available.
Nevertheless, the public’s mutual aid efforts are increasingly visible, with people reaching out to help flood-affected towns and villages. Social media reports show that various local rescue and charity organizations from different regions of Myanmar are collecting funds and delivering relief. Although these operations may not be as systematic as government-led efforts based on accurate damage assessments, they are providing essential emotional and material support.
Similar to how community-driven relief efforts arose after Cyclone Nargis, this flood disaster has once again spurred unity, with the public joining forces to help one another. This community solidarity in response to the flood’s aftermath is a sign of resilience.
After the immediate relief phase, questions arise regarding how the flood-affected areas will rebuild their livelihoods and recover the resources lost. Given that most of these areas remain under military council control, while the council is technically responsible, its ongoing war efforts make it unlikely that adequate resources will be available for reconstruction.
With conflicts ongoing and military-imposed restrictions on various regions, there is doubt whether the military council has the capacity or will to effectively carry out reconstruction efforts.
Past lessons from the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in 2008, where recovery took years, indicate that the future of these flood-affected areas remains grim.