NEWS from Kachin State

We have not received much details so far but here are the latest from Myitkyina Metta.

<< EMERGENCY REPORT ON FLOOD >>

SAT17JUL04: Ayeyawady river level began to rise alarmingly.

SUN18JUL04 0900 hours: Shatapru, Kachin Su, Mali Yang, Zi Lun, Kyet Pawng Chyan, Myothitgyi are inundated.
1700 hours: Shatapru Manau Compound is flooded making car passage impossible.

MON19JUL04: Myitkyina is surrounded by water. Part of Mye Myint (Metta Office), Yuzana, Myothit, Myoma, Shan Zu, Kyunpintha, Du Kahtawng those located in low land are also flooded. The water level came up to 1 foot of the main embankment on the east of Myiktyina.

19JUL04 2100 ours: Water level began to go down.

21JUL04: Water gone. Not less than 5,000 households are affected: Shatapru: 800 HH, Manhkring: 3HH,Njang Kawng 3HH, Kachin Zu, Kyunpintha, Zi Lun, Mali Yang, Rampu, Kyetpawng Chyan, Myothitgyi, Hkemathiri, Yuzana, Myemyint 60 HH Villages on both sides of the Ayeyawaddy are also hit hard. Tarlawgyi, south of Myitkyina - situated on the river bank is gravely hit with much loss of lives.

The dire need is medicine. Diarrhea has already started.
Another immediate response is to help clean up the wells - 384 in all. (Shata Pru: 302, Du Kahtawng 15, Yuzana 11, Zi Lun 34, Kyunpintha 9, Kachin Zu 4, Mali Yang 9). The wells have to be emptied, scrubbed and disinfected before they are safe to be used as drinking water.

KBC has 70 youth volunteers .
Urgent requirements: 4 Water pumping machines (Honda G 200) MMK 250,000 each.
Food and traveling expenses for volunteers to work on each well MMK 10,000.
We are seeking total Myanmar Kyat 4,840,000 or USD 5,000.
Metta will advance the expenses for now. Any of you willing to pick up the above cost, please inform us. As you are well aware, there are still many other needs and we will update you. For medicine and well clearing up kindly contact direct to Alex, Metta Liaison at 074-22944 or at home at 074 - 23340.

Misereor, MSF, MDM, Swissaid, CORD have all offered to assist the flood victims. KIO Liaison Office has made 5 motor boats available. As of now we can not say what and how much is needed. But should you wish to contribute please let us know the exact amount we will account how it has been utilised. Another option is for you to have direct dealing with the local organisations. Bhamo area is already in danger with motor way between Myitkyina - Bhamo and Bhamo - Mandalay already cut off. water way is closed as well.

More information on Laphai Hkun Nawng (22 September 1981 - 05 July 2004)
FFS Facilitator. Died in dawn flash flood at N'Hkawng Pa village that carried away most of N Hkawng Pa. He spent the night there where he was conducting FFS for 21 farmers. He was also facilitating FFS at Hkaw Nan Yang for 28 farmers.

The village is north of Myitkyina on a high place. Flood has occurred in that area earlier than that in Myitkyina. He is survived by his wife and 2 sons. The second son born 2 ours prior to the father's demise. Courtesy from www.kachinnet.com