Flooding in Myanmar Devastates 20,000 Acres of Crops

Flooding in central Myanmar has wreaked havoc, devastating crops and forcing the closure of around 20 schools across 30 villages, Radio Free Asia reported yesterday.

The Ayeyarwady River in the Magway region has overflowed, inundating approximately 20,000 acres of vital crops such as green beans, peanuts, and sesame, which are crucial for local livelihoods, the source mentioned.

According to locals, flooding this year has been extremely terrible, highlighting the impact on bean fields, the area’s primary crop.

Since early July, the flooding has displaced tens of thousands, destroyed homes, and resulted in several fatalities. In addition to Kamma township, five other townships in Magway are facing similar rainy-season challenges.

Although the rainy season is expected to continue until late October, the junta’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported a decrease in water levels below danger thresholds in some areas, including Mandalay’s Nyaung-U township and towns near the river’s delta. Efforts to address the crisis continue, but the full extent of the damage remains to be assessed.