Myanmar president apologises to flood victims
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MAGWAY - Myanmar President Htin Kyaw apologised to flood victims for his previous neglect and promised more relief aid.
He visited flood victims in Minbu, Magway Region, on August 7. They had to leave their homes and took shelters at the Mhan Kin Monastery compound.
“I ask for forgiveness from citizens in hardship. I apologise for only showing up now,” said the president at the monastery compound.
“I heard the waters are receding, though I see they are still rising. I am happy to hear that the water level will go down. We are putting our efforts into helping those in need,” said President Htin Kyaw.
According to accompanying MPs and ministers, the president promised that help was on the way.
The group distributed rations to refugees and left for Nal Kone Saung Village, Pwintbyu Township. From there, they went on to Pakkoku to meet with the refugees at Shwe Thain Daw Dama Yate Thar, where they again offered words of encouragement and distributed rations.
Many of the refugees were happy with the president’s visit but also acknowledged that more relief aid is needed.
“According to the president, there are not enough donations toward flood victims. He also apologised for being late and promised all the help that can be mustered. It would be much better if they were able to visit our villages that got hit hard by the floods to decide on the amount of help we need,” said Than Lwin, a farmer from Nateban Kyun Village.
According to records from regional offices of the Social Welfare, Relief and Settlement Ministry, there are a total of 147,999 flood refugees and 44,057 livestock in Magway Region. While the water level of the Ayeyawady River has been dipping gradually, surrounding regions are still seeing increases in water levels.
According to the statistics of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, over 16,000 acres of farmland and a total of 400,000 farms across the country were inundated as of August 8. About 346,861 acres of paddy fields were destroyed.
Kachin State was the most affected, with 11,643 acres of land being flooded and 1,179 destroyed
The situation in other states and regions:
Nay Pyi Taw, 148 acres of farmland were flooded and 76 acres were destroyed.
Chin State, 71 acres were flooded and 28 acres were destroyed.
Sagaing Region, 23,897 acres were flooded and 1,830 acres were destroyed.
