TITLE: REPORT ON MYITKYINA FLOOD (Brief)

Table 1.1 Flood in Myitkyina, Kachin State, Myanmar.

Source: Metta Development Foundation, July 2004.

Table 1.2 Statistics of Survivors at Different Places due to Flood July, 2004.

  * Total people died: 50 (location: unspecified);                                   Source: www.kachinnet.com and Metta, July 2004.

Table 1.3 Agricultural Losses Due to Flood, July 18 - 21, 2004.

Sources: www.kachinnet.com and Metta, July 2004.

EMERGENCY HELP NEEDS

• 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.

• 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.

WORKING AT PRESENT

• KBC has 70 youth volunteers .

• Misereor, MSF, MDM, Swissaid, CORD have all offered to assist the flood victims.

• KIO Liaison Office has made 5 motor boats available.

• Government of Union of Myanmar helps 84 million Kyats (about 84,000 US Dollars to flood victims).

HOW TO REACH US

• For medicine and well clearing up kindly contact direct to: -  Alex, Metta Liaison at 95-074-22944 (office) or at home at 95-074 -23340.

• 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 utilized.

• Another option is for you to have direct dealing with the local organizations.

• Bhamo area is already in endanger with motor way between Myitkyina - Bhamo and Bhamo - Mandalay already cut off. Water way is closed as well.

Help for Lahpai Hkun Nawng

• More Information on Laphai Hkun Nawng (22 September 1981 - 05 July 2004), FFS Facilitator, who 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.

<< METTA REPORT >>

Compiled and Submitted by George

 WHY FLOOD IN MYITKYINA? (View from Scientific Advisor)

1. Because of heavy rainfall in upstream of Nmai Hka (Maykha), and watershed areas of both the rivers..

2. Second reason is obviously due to heavy Gold Mining, where people change flow direction of the river.

3. Deforestation is another reason, where vegetation has no longer capacity to control soils.

4. Construction of Dams in adjoining rivers, and lower parts of Malihka¹ (Ayawady) river.

 FLOOD

1. The water exceeded far beyond the limit of danger level (1,200 to 1,410 feet).

2. The flood may again occur in end of August 2004.

 ¹ Though the government has plans, not yet sure, who is construction dams in the lower parts of Malihka.