Floods and Landslides in Myanmar Displace Thousands, Adding to Climate Change Crisis

Floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar have resulted in the unfortunate loss of five lives and forced approximately 40,000 individuals to evacuate, as confirmed by officials on Monday. The onslaught of heavy downpours has transformed villages and farmland in Rakhine state, following the previous devastating impact of Cyclone Mokha in May. Myanmar commonly witnesses intense rainfall during this period, but recent extreme weather events globally have been compounded by the effects of climate change, as acknowledged by scientists.

Le Shwe Xin Oo, the director of Myanmar’s Ministry of Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement, stated that the death toll currently stands at five, with around 37,000 people already evacuated throughout the country. This number is expected to rise to 40,000 by Saturday. Concerned authorities have taken action to provide essential support to those affected, establishing temporary camps for the displaced households.

Since the end of July, the floods have impacted nine states and regions in Myanmar, including Rakhine, Kachin, Karen, Mon, and Chin. The severity of the catastrophe is evident in Karen state, where a landslide has wreaked havoc on vital highways connecting neighboring towns near the Thai border. The government estimates that it will take approximately one month to construct a temporary bridge to address the situation.

Unfortunately, the nation of Myanmar finds itself entangled in a violent conflict. The military junta seized power in a coup in February 2021, resulting in a tense standoff with civilian armed forces who oppose the military rule. To date, more than 3,800 individuals have lost their lives, according to a local observation group, with the junta providing a differing figure of 5,000.

The United Nations has fervently criticized the junta’s handling of the aftermath of Cyclone Mokha, which claimed the lives of at least 148 people and caused extensive destruction of homes. Additionally, the junta’s refusal to grant access to aid workers in the affected areas has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

Overall, Myanmar faces a daunting challenge as it grapples with the devastating impacts of floods, landslides, and an ongoing political conflict. Immediate attention and concerted efforts are needed to alleviate the suffering of those affected and facilitate recovery in the aftermath of these destructive forces.

YANGON (AFP) – Floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar have killed five people and forced the evacuation of around 40,000, officials said Monday.

Rakhine state, which was hit by Cyclone Mokha in May, has now engulfed villages and farmland in murky brown waters.

Myanmar usually experiences heavy rains during this time every year. But extreme weather has been hitting the world in recent weeks. which scientists say The event has been exacerbated by climate change.

Le Shwe Xin Oo, director of the Ministry of Social Welfare relief Myanmar settlements and settlements said that five people died and about 37,000 people were evacuated across Myanmar, and the figure was expected to rise to 40,000 on Saturday.

“Our agency provides the basics. Let the evacuated households live in temporary camps,” said Le Shwe Sin Oo.

The floods started at the end of July affecting nine states and regions of the country, including Rakhine, Kachin, Karen, Mon and Chin.

in Karen state The landslide overwhelmed important highways connecting towns near the Thai border. The junta said it could take about a month to build a temporary bridge.

Burma is caught in a bloody conflict between the military junta that seized power in a coup in February 2021 and civilian armed forces opposed to military rule.

according to the local observation group. More than 3,800 people have been killed since the coup. The figure given by the junta is 5,000.

The United Nations has harshly criticized the junta for its handling of the aftermath of Cyclone Moca. It killed at least 148 people and destroyed many homes. He also condemned the junta for refusing to allow aid workers access to the area.

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