Floods contaminate at least 20 drinking water ponds in Minbya

By Admin 16 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

16 July 2026, Minbya

Heavy flooding has contaminated drinking water ponds in nine villages in the Panmyaunggyi Creek area of Minbya Township, Arakan State, according to local residents.

The ponds remained submerged from 7 July to 13 July. Although floodwaters have receded, they have been left heavily contaminated with mud and silt.

A total of 17 drinking water ponds across the nine villages were inundated. While residents are currently relying on rainwater for drinking, recent dry weather has left many communities facing water shortages.

Some villagers are now travelling into the mountains to collect water from natural springs, while others have no choice but to use contaminated pond water.

"All of our drinking water ponds were submerged, so the water is no longer safe to drink. When it rains, we collect rainwater. Otherwise, we have to travel by boat to Nyintaung Village to fetch water, while some people collect water from mountain springs," said U Maung Shwe Tin, administrator of Ohpyintaung Village.

Residents said flooding occurs every year along Panmyaunggyi Creek, a tributary of the Laymyo River, but this year's flooding was the worst they had experienced.

They are calling for urgent supplies of clean drinking water and for the contaminated ponds to be pumped out and cleared of mud before the monsoon season ends.

"If we leave these ponds as they are, it will take a long time for the water to become clear again. If the mud is not removed, the ponds will gradually become shallower, leading to serious drinking water shortages every year," said Daw Hla Hla Soe, a resident of Pweya Kanseik Village.

Located between the Laymyo River and the Arakan Mountain Range, the area is remote and has poor transportation links. Most residents rely on farming and have limited financial resources, villagers said.

Residents fear the use of contaminated water could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

"Access to drinking water is our biggest challenge. When it doesn't rain, we have no choice but to drink water from the flooded ponds. We are worried about diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and skin infections. We urgently appeal to the relevant authorities and humanitarian organizations to help us secure clean drinking water," said U Sein Hla Kyaw, a resident of Shwetaung Village in Minbya Township.

Heavy rainfall since early July caused the Laymyo, Kaladan and Mayu rivers, along with their tributaries, to overflow, flooding hundreds of villages and wards across at least 10 townships in Arakan State.

Flood-affected communities continue to need emergency food assistance, clean drinking water and healthcare services.

Although the United League of Arakan/Arakha Army (ULA/AA) has been carrying out rescue and relief operations, residents said many remote villages have yet to receive assistance.

Residents in the Panmyaunggyi Creek area are urging humanitarian organizations and social welfare groups to provide clean drinking water as soon as possible.