By Jar Seng / MPA
In the Phontha Chaung (Taelaung) area of Minbya Township, Rakhine State, which was severely affected by flooding, reconstruction efforts have not yet commenced due to the area’s remoteness and communication disruptions, according to information from local residents and humanitarian workers.
On 13 and 14 September, 2024, the Phontha Chaung area experienced the most severe flooding in its history, resulting in the destruction of 235 houses across 16 villages, as well as schools, religious buildings and clinics. The disaster also claimed the lives of three people.
The flooding in the Phontha Chaung area was caused by heavy rainfall, which led to landslides of the mountains. The streams that flow through the region were blocked, leading to widespread devastation in villages such as Setiyam, Ngatek, Kyanggyi, Kyema, Kyemachae, Kywechoung, Pyinchoung, Pyinwa, Thayetouk, Ngalin Gyi, Nattaung Ywathit, Ywathaya, Nattaung Ywa Haung, Aukkhwechimyawng, Ahtet Khwechemyaung, and Taungpauk. Both houses and agricultural lands were destroyed.
“The flooding in Phontha Chaung has never been this bad in my lifetime. This time, it was severe. According to the data we have collected, 16 villages with a population of no less than 5,000 people have been affected by the floods. While donations have been collected to help, it is still not enough for recovery,” said Salai Dawng, a representative from the Taelaung Emergency Relief and Reconstruction Committee.
The region is located about five hours away from Minbya Township by motorboat, and due to transportation challenges and the lack of phone and internet connection, emergency relief operations could only begin seven days after the disaster, Salai Dawng explained.
In addition, the flood-affected people in the Phontha Chaung region are still in need of rice, oil, salt, fish paste, blankets, mosquito nets, and kitchen supplies. Waterborne diseases such as diarrhea have also been reported due to a lack of clean drinking water.
“Since the drinking water ponds have not been cleaned, we are seeing cases of diarrhea and skin diseases. I estimate that at least ten people are affected. Medicines are in short supply, and there are even some cases of malaria,” reported one of the humanitarian workers who visited the region.
In areas of Rakhine State controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), the group provided weekly food supplies and medical treatment to flood-affected people from 19 to 20 September, according to an AA’s statement.
“It was about a week after the flooding when I saw the local humanitarian groups and the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) bring food supplies to support the affected people,” said a local resident of Rakhine State.
Although relief groups are providing food and financial assistance to flood-affected people in Rakhine State, the damaged houses have not yet been rebuilt. As winter approaches, it is expected that conditions will worsen for the local residents.
“Winter is coming soon. During the floods, people lost their blankets, mosquito nets, and homes. These are the things they need now,” said Salai Dawng, who is involved in relief and reconstruction efforts.
The Phontha Chaung (Taelaung) area is predominantly inhabited by the Chin ethnic group, who mainly rely on hillside farming for their livelihoods.
United League of Arakan (ULA) Health Department issued an appeal on 16 August that due to the resumption of armed conflict in Rakhine State since November 2023, the number of internally displaced people has exceeded 500,000 and called on both domestic and international organizations to assist the displaced population.
