Epidemic threat looms in Myanmar after flood waters recede

Cyclone Komen not only did damage to Bangladesh, east and northeast India but also caused havoc in Myanmar. Landslides and flooding were reported in various parts of the country. There are about 1,40,000 children and families displaced in Rakhine alone.

According to authorities 39 people have died and over 2,00,000 people are in desperate need of assistance. The floods and rains have been widespread as 12 out of 14 states in the country have been affected. The authorities have declared natural disaster zones in four regions, including Rakhine where flooding, inundated roads and landslides have made access limited.

Myanmar is prone to natural disasters like floods, cyclones and earthquakes. There is need for better preparedness to deal with such events.

However, the flood situation is likely to improve as the cyclonic system has weakened and moved away from the region. The flood waters will recede but there is a threat of epidemic as many people are still in need of aid. Some of the places are still inaccessible and getting relief materials there is proving to be an arduous task. Light to moderate rain is likely in some regions in the next 48 hours.

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