Eighteen persons have been killed in flood-related incidents in Arakan State, the worst affected region in Burma as monsoonal rains and flash floods devastate much of the country.
Most of the casualties in Arakan were the result of boats capsizing or sinking on rivers.
According to the Rescue and Resettlement Directorate, 8,683 people have been directly affected or displaced from their homes in Arakan due to the flooding; the state government announced on Sunday that another 33,848 were in danger.
Some 130 rescue camps have been set up across the state.
Speaking to DVB on Sunday, Tin Maung Swe, the secretary of the Arakan state government, said, “The water level dropped a little today. We are sending food with two military helicopters to where people need it most. On the first trip, fast food such as readymade noodles and eggs were distributed. Next, we will send sacks of rice.”
The helicopters made deliveries to the worst-hit towns of Mrauk-U and Minbya.
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State media reported on Sunday that the air force had also transported clothing, towels and soap in an emergency operation effort from Naypyidaw airport on Friday.
At least 45 persons have been declared dead across Burma, the majority of cases in the western regions of Arakan [also known as Rakhine], Chin State, Sagaing Division, Irrawaddy delta, and the townships of Monywa and Pegu [Bago].
Burma’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on Sunday reported that the monsoon is “moderate to strong in the Andaman Sea and south bay, and weak elsewhere in the Bay of Bengal.”
Read more: BURMA FLOODS
