As of July 31, residents in lower-lying areas of Bago Township continue to experience severe flooding, with the Bago River still above the danger level. Both local residents and those in rescue camps are in urgent need of food assistance, according to local flood relief groups.
Continuous heavy rains since July 29 have led to an influx of thousands of flood victims into rescue camps in Bago. The growing number of displaced individuals has resulted in a shortage of food supplies.
“The biggest challenge is providing enough food. This year, we have fewer donors. For instance, at the Mon School, we need about three bags of rice per meal. Yesterday, the government provided us with some eggs, dried noodles, and six bags of rice, which was consumed in one day as we need three bags per meal,” said a member of a local flood relief group.
Residents who are unable to relocate to rescue camps, as well as flood victims from villages without access to donors, are also in need of food and medical assistance, the relief group member added.
Since July 26, over 22 temporary rescue camps have been established in monasteries and higher ground within Bago Township. Each camp accommodates at least 700 flood victims, with more people arriving daily.
“It’s difficult to estimate the exact number of people. The population is continuously increasing. We have around 22 rescue camps, but we don’t have exact figures. There are many submerged areas, and the water level rises each day, making it impossible to store supplies. We need boats and other resources. Some camps have between 1,100 and 1,500 people, and some have around 700,” said the relief group member.
The food needs of thousands of flood victims are being addressed by local charitable organizations, independent donors, and the administrative bodies of the military council.
Despite the release of water from the southern Bago dam yesterday afternoon, which has slightly reduced water levels in some parts of Bago Township, areas outside the town, including farmland and low-lying regions, remain submerged.
In addition to Bago Township, thousands of flood victims from lower-lying villages in Thanatpin Township have also been relocated to rescue camps due to the severe flooding.
