Thandwe residents worry about risk of more flooding

By DMG 01 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
1 August 2021, Thandwe 

With spillover creek water entering some wards in Thandwe, Arakan State, on Sunday morning, residents are concerned about the possibility of fresh flooding less than a week after the town was inundated. 

Floodwaters wreaked havoc on Thandwe Township on July 27 following continuous heavy rains, damaging and destroying several houses and prompting an evacuation of the local hospital. 

U Thaung Tun, a resident of Thandwe, said he was worried about a new round of flooding while the town is still recovering from the first. 

“Creek water has reached some wards now. We cannot do anything, other than be concerned about [the possibility of] a second flood, because it is a natural disaster. But we have prepared for the risk of a new flood,” he said. 

Among residents of the town, losses were said to be heavy during last week’s flooding in part due to a lack of preparedness.  

Sayadaw U Tay Zeinda, who is helping to provide social welfare assistance in Thandwe, said boats have been readied and other preemptive measures are being taken in preparation for the possibility of more flooding. 

“Previously, we did not expect the flood would be so bad. This time, we have prepared for the flood,” the monk said. 

U Soe Myint, chair of the Thandwe District Administration Council, said the district council is working with local civil society organisations to be able to provide rescue services if another round of flooding should materialise. 

“This time, residents are prepared for the new flood. Authorities are also ready to provide help if it is necessary. And, we are working for the security of the oxygen plant,” he said, referring to a recently built oxygen-generating facility in the town that had to temporarily halt production after it was inundated by floodwaters last week. 

More than 700 households with over 3,000 people were affected by the flooding in Thandwe Township on July 27, when water levels surpassed danger markers, according to the Arakan State-level State Administration Council. 

Continuing rains are forecast for Thandwe Township, but waters have remained below critical levels for now, U Soe Myint said.