At least 30,000 affected by Myanmar floods as conflict, crop losses threaten food security
At the centre of the crisis is Lemyethna township, where the Ngawun River embankment was breached on the night of Jul 30, sending floodwaters into villages and farmland.
At least 30,000 people in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region are facing severe flooding following the breach of the Ngawun River embankment on July 30. The conflict, fuel shortages, and crop losses are exacerbating the challenges to livelihoods and food security. Lemyethna township, the epicenter of the crisis, saw floodwaters inundate villages and farmland.
Myanmar authorities attribute the breach to heavy rainfall and erosion, while some residents blame the embankment's poor condition, termite damage, and maintenance difficulties due to ongoing conflict. The flooding has strained the ability of private rescue groups to provide aid, as they are restricted from entering the hazardous flood zone and must use a nearby monastery as a base.
Internally displaced people in Lemyethna are struggling to cope with the inundation, having lost their belongings. The flooding threatens the region's rice production, with about 3.7 million acres of paddy planted this season. Farmers face additional costs due to fuel shortages and higher cultivation expenses. Myanmar authorities promise to repair the embankment and provide assistance to affected communities.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
