Farmers across Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady Region are grappling with the aftermath of massive flooding that has submerged vast expanses of paddy fields. The torrential rains have inflicted significant damage on the agricultural sector, threatening the livelihoods of countless farming communities in the delta region.
“Due to flooding, over 250 acres out of the 700 acres of paddy fields in our village tract were submerged. I have 20 acres of rice, and half of it is under water,” said U Tin Win, a farmer from Ta Laing Kwin Village Tract in Kyangin Township. “Although we’ve experienced floods in previous years, the damage this year is worse due to excessive water, causing more crop losses than before.”
The Ayeyarwady Region, known as the rice bowl of Myanmar, relies heavily on its agricultural output. The recurrent flooding not only affects the current harvest but also poses long-term challenges for food security and economic stability in the region.
Local authorities and relief organizations are working to assess the damage and provide support to affected farmers. However, the scale of the flooding has overwhelmed resources, and many farmers fear that recovery efforts may not be sufficient to offset their losses.
“We need urgent assistance to drain the water and salvage what’s left of our crops,” U Tin Win added. “Without support, many of us will struggle to sustain our families in the coming months.”
The situation highlights the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. There is a growing call for comprehensive flood management strategies and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate future risks.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
