Fighting survive as floods begin receding
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INTERNATIONAL aid is pouring into Myanmar but many, particularly farmers, are asking for more in the aftermath of the worst floods. Farmers in flood-hit regions say they are in urgent need of rice seeds and agricultural loans.
Than Tun, secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation in Minhla Township of Bago Region, said: “Floods hit 21 villages in Minhla Township. Farmers needs loans to re-grow rice as the waters have receded.”
The disaster affected more than 1.3 million people nationwide. The water level of Ayeyawady River dropped, but as ofThursday, it remained above danger levels, according to a report by state media Global New Light of Myanmar.
According to the Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry, the floods inundated more than 1.2 million acres of rice fields. So far, rice has been replanted in more than 50,000 hectares. A basket of rice seeds is allocated per acre, while tractors and fuel oil is supplied.
Rice export has been banned. The Commerce Ministry announced last week that it may consider resuming rice export in November.
Severely hit areas are Sagaing, Magway, Rakhine and Chin, though water levels have receded in many areas. As ofFriday though, Chin State remained cut off as many of its roads remained blocked and damaged by landslides. Travel to nearby Sagaing Region was permitted through one road.
The United States Agency for International Development on Friday approved the contribution of US$3 million to the United Nations World Food Programme, bringing total flood relief and recovery assistance to over $4.5 million. Germany also announced 500,000 euro in humanitarian aid to the UN programme.
