People displaced by military attacks in Ye Chaung Pyar area of Ye Township, Mon State, are facing further difficulties after severe flooding hit the area, with travel and access to food becoming increasingly difficult, according to local residents.
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in Kyaung Ywar village, where displaced people have been taking shelter, since August 20. Residents living near a stream have been forced to evacuate to safer areas.
Most displaced people currently staying in Kyaung Ywar are unable to return to check on their homes. They have also become increasingly dependent on relatives and acquaintances for food and other basic necessities while staying in temporary shelters.
“We are staying at relatives’ and acquaintances’ homes. Now Kyaung Ywar is flooded again, and we cannot travel. The water is up to waist level. We can only travel by boat. I don’t know whether aircraft are flying overhead because we cannot hear anything with the rain and wind,” a man from Ye Township said.
Following an airstrike on August 11, the military junta has been conducting aerial surveillance over Kyaung Ywar village tract. As a result, nearly 1,000 residents from at least five villages have been forced to take shelter in nearby areas.
The road from Kyaung Ywar to Natgyi, Leikpoke and Kawttar villages is also covered by about 3 feet of water, with strong currents continuing to flow. Motorcycles and cars remain unable to use the road, leaving residents largely dependent on boats for transportation.
“We are traveling by boat and even transporting motorcycles by boat. If the rain continues like this, it will become difficult to get food. For now, people are selling what is available in the shops. Once those supplies run out, it will be a problem. The stream is also running strongly, and the roads are impassable, so we are worried,” a Kyaung Ywar resident said.
Because of the difficult travel conditions, grocery shops are selling only their remaining stocks. Residents are concerned that food and other essential goods could run out if the flooding continues.
