The United League of Arakan (ULA) is calling for emergency assistance due to flooding getting worse in Rakhine State, according to a press release dated 14 August.

It has requested emergency assistance from other countries for various sectors, including food, animal husbandry, healthcare and fishing.

Torrential rains that started on 31 July 2023, caused the water levels of rivers and streams to rise in many villages in nearly half of the total townships in Rakhine (Arakan) State, causing grave concern, the press release says.

However, starting from 10 August, the water level has receded and the situation is currently back to normal. The majority of villages in townships, like Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebone, Taunggoke, and Thanddwe, suffered from flooding because the water level had risen by 10 or even 15 feet in some places.

The rising water levels in many rivers and streams including the Lay-More River caused mudflows which hit houses, public infrastructures, hospitals, schools, and religious buildings, leading to the death of animals such as buffaloes, cows, pigs, chickens and goats.

Newly farmed land, cultivated rice plants, fish and shrimp ponds have also been damaged and saltwater has entered wells, lakes, and dams. Transport has been cut off due to a broken bridge and dam. Six people were also killed by the flooding, according to reports.

The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) press release said that it has relocated local populations who were in need of emergency evacuation since the water levels started rising.

“Our effective collaboration with civil society organisations, social associations, community-based organisations, and non-profit associations has also prevented the loss of many lives. We would like to deeply thank those people who have contributed full collaboration with a sense of responsibility”, said the press release.

It continued: “The flooding could possibly cause health problems such as diarrhea, pneumonia, bronchitis, common cold, and colds. Besides, we also would like to urge our people to be vigilant in order to avoid harm from electric shocks, mudflows, land sinks, tree felling, building collapse, and bites of poisonous animals such as snakes and scorpions. And we would also like to encourage people to inform those who are in need of medication and health care to contact the nearest administrative offices of the ULA.”

The ULA/AA statement also pointed out that the current flooding was the second natural disaster to hit Rakhine State this rainy season. Cyclone Mocha hit Rakhine State on 14 May 2023 and the ULA/AA is still trying to provide shelters for the victims of Cyclone Mocha.

The United League of Arakan is an Arakanese political organisation based in Laiza, Kachin State. Its armed wing is the Arakan Army.