Both displaced people and locals in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, who have been affected by flooding due to the rising water level of the Chindwin River, are in urgent need of drinking water, food and shelter assistance, according to relief workers.
Phoo Pwint Wai, the person in charge of the Anyar Pyit Taing Htaung Lay Myar group, which helps both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and locals, said: “Right now, what they need most are clean water and oral rehydration salts, which are essential. Also, since many people here are daily wage workers, they can’t go to work because of the flooding, so food supplies are urgently needed.”
Since early July, the northern part of Salingyi Township has been affected by the floods of the Chindwin River. The floods have affected not only villages along the riverbanks but also IDP camps and villages in the eastern area. Thousands of local residents have had to evacuate to safer locations, according to relief workers.
Phoo Pwint Wai added that the flood-affected people are currently facing difficulties in getting food, drinking water, and shelter.
“As for accommodation, some are taking shelter in closed shops along higher roads. Others are staying with nearby relatives in safer areas. Many just have to lay out mats wherever they can find dry ground,” she explained.
As the local people are facing both conflict and flood dangers, there are many needs. Ma Phoo Pwint Wai called on relevant organizations and donors to provide assistance.
Currently, the water level of the Chindwin River is gradually receding below the danger level, but the situation remains concerning, according to the Anyar Pyit Taing Htaung Lay Myar Group.
According to measurements from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, over 20 towns have been at flood danger levels since early July due to rising water levels of the Ayeyarwady, Chindwin, and Dokhtawady rivers.
Sent by NMG.