Nine homes destroyed by Kaladan River erosion in Kyauktaw Twsp village

By Admin 29 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

29 July 2026, Kyauktaw

Nine homes belonging to Muslim families in Apaukwa Village, Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State, have been destroyed by severe riverbank erosion along the Kaladan River, according to local residents.

Swollen by heavy monsoon rains, the fast-flowing Kaladan River has continued to erode the riverbank, causing homes to collapse into the water.

Residents said the first collapse occurred on July 22, when seven houses were swept away. A second collapse on July 25 destroyed two more homes.

"Nine houses have been washed away so far. More than 20 other homes remain at risk of collapsing," said U Maung Maung Than, a resident of Apaukwa Village. "Because many families have nowhere else to relocate, they are living in constant fear."

Local residents said heavy rainfall has continued to strengthen the river's current, increasing the risk of further erosion.

Apaukwa Village experiences severe riverbank erosion during every monsoon season, with previous incidents resulting in casualties.

"Our home was also swept away by the riverbank collapse. Everything was lost," said Daw Nur Che Min, whose house was destroyed. "The bank gave way after midnight, so we couldn't save any of our belongings. A boat moored along the riverbank and our fishing nets were also swept away."

Families whose homes were destroyed are now facing serious difficulties with shelter and livelihoods.

According to residents, those displaced are temporarily staying with relatives or building makeshift shelters on relatives' land.

With many families in urgent need of shelter, residents are appealing for assistance.

"Our family is struggling to find food and shelter. Those who have money can stay with relatives, but we have neither a place to live nor land," said U Jawkiramawt. "We would like to appeal to the United League of Arakan to help people facing these hardships."

In 2018, about 300 feet of riverbank collapsed in Apaukwa Village, destroying 11 homes.

Earlier this month, on July 7, erosion along the Laymyo River in Minbya Township destroyed at least 18 homes across three wards, while leaving at least 40 others at risk.