Hundreds of flood victims suffer from malaria, diarrhoea in Minbya Twsp

By Admin 05 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
5 October 2024, Minbya

Malaria and diarrhoea outbreaks have been reported in flood-hit villages of Phone Thar Chaung village-tract in Arakan State's Minbya Township.

Nearly 400 people are suffering from malaria and diarrhoea in the aftermath of widespread flooding in Phone Thar Chaung, with the outbreaks blamed on unclean drinking water, increased mosquito breeding due to poor sanitation conditions, and a shortage of mosquito nets. Residents are reportedly in need of medicines and healthcare services.

"At least 20 to 30 people are suffering from diarrhoea and malaria as well as skin problems in each village," said Ko Myat Lin Htun, vice chairman of the Arakan State Students Union.

More than 200 houses were destroyed by floods across 13 villages in Phone Thar Chaung last month, affecting more than 1,000 villagers.

Many villagers still cannot rebuild their homes and have been struggling to make ends meet as they have received little assistance from donors due to the village-tract's remote location.

"Some houses were swept away by floods. So, they lost everything including their houses," said Ko Min Naing Soe, director of the Minbya Youths Association.

"Though organisations are providing food supplies, it is not enough. Residents need much more assistance," he added.

Most residents in Phone Thar Chaung are ethnic Chin people who make a living by farming, and who have also lost their crops in the flooding.