BANGKOK, Thailand (Thomson Reuters Foundation) — Recent floods in Myanmar destroyed farms, killed livestock, and could lead to a surge in rural unemployment and food prices unless more international help is provided, the government and United Nations said.
More than 1.6 million people fled their homes and 132 were killed in late July and August due to floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Komen and heavy monsoon rains.
More than 2.5 million acres of rice paddy were inundated and almost a quarter of a million livestock killed, the UN World Food Program, UN Food and Agriculture Organization and government said in joint assessment.
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“Half of all losses were in agriculture, in regions where people rely on crop production and livestock to feed their families,” said Bui Thi Lan, FAO representative in Myanmar. “We must urgently meet the immediate needs of these families, support agricultural recovery and help them rebuild resilient livelihoods to cope better with future crises.”
Most survivors have returned home, but now face unemployment due to the loss of seasonal work and rising food prices. Villagers may be forced to borrow money or sell assets to survive, the report added.
More international help is needed to replace livestock, seeds, fertilizer, tools and equipment for affected farmers. In addition, people need assistance to rehabilitate land, irrigation systems and roads.
