Thousands evacuated due to Laymyo river flood in Mrauk U, Minbya

More than 1,000 people were evacuated due to flood water in Arakan’s ancient city Mrauk U and  Minbya as the Laymyo river starts flowing above the danger level.

Altogether 550 men  and 556 women belonging to 223 households from Mya Tan Song IDP camp were evacuated on Monday in the morning hours.

At the same time, 46 men and  57  women belonging to 23  households from Lat Kauk Zee  and San Kya Sike wards of  Mrauk U township were also shifted to safer places to avoid any unwanted  accident.

The fire brigade departments and local residents helped in the initiative.

The  refugees from Mya Tan Song IDP camp were sent to the Mya Tan Song Dhama hall as well as their relatives’ houses at Lat Kauk Zay and Sin Kya Site wards under Mrauk U township.

U Ba Nyunt, a Mrauk U resident informed that they facing a lot of difficulties. Due to  heavy  rainfalls in their locality the river started flowing dangerously.

The city is now inundated by the river water, said Mya Tansong Saradaw, who is in charge of Mya Tansong military refugee camp, through a social media page.

"If the rain doesn't stop, the water will continue rising. Soon the supply of food items will become a problematic job. People  also face more difficulties,” added the monk.

Several wards and  villages on the banks of Laymyo river in Mrauk  U and Min Bya localities  are now under the water. Many villagers have already left for safer places to avoid disasters.