Statement attributable to Ms Janet Jackson, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i.) on floods in Myanmar [EN/MY]

(YANGON: 14 June 2016): Heavy monsoon rains since the beginning of June have caused flooding in five states and regions of Myanmar. According to the initial reports from the Government Relief and Resettlement Department, at least 26,000 people are affected in Ayeyarwady, Bago and Sagaing regions as well as Chin and Rakhine states. A total of 14 deaths have been reported from the Union-level Relief and Resettlement Department, media sources and the Rakhine State Government.

The states and regions that are now affected by floods are the same as those that were severely impacted by floods and landslides between July and August in 2015. On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to extend my sympathies to the families of victims and to all communities affected by the flooding.

Initial figures from the Relief and Resettlement Department indicate that more than 5,000 houses are inundated with over 280 destroyed in flood affected areas and, in some areas, people were evacuated to safer locations by authorities. In areas where water level has been receded, people were reportedly able to return to their homes while others whose houses were destroyed continue staying in temporary locations where they receive support from the local authorities. Floods caused damages to infrastructure facilities, including roads, bridges, wells and communal buildings, however, the extent of the damages is still being analysed by the authorities.

The State and Regional Governments are leading the response by conducing initial assessments and providing assistance including food and other relief materials to affected people in flooded areas. However, preliminary assessment reports indicate that urgent needs include food, non-food items, tarpaulins, medicines and cash. Humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation across the country and are closely working with the local authorities to support them as needed.

The United Nations and humanitarian partners have offered their support and are already working closely with the Myanmar authorities at local, State, and Union levels to assess urgent needs and support the humanitarian response. The United Nations stands ready to further support the Government and the people of Myanmar in responding to the floods.