Incessant Monsoon rains have caused massive floods and landslides in several states in Myanmar and in the neighbouring state of Manipur in India, claiming 46 and 21 lives respectively, uprooting more than 200,000 people homeless; United Nations warned that the deal toll may rise in the coming days.
Four western and central regions in Myanmar - Chin state, Sagaing division, Rakhine state and parts of Magwe division are the worst affected areas. Cyclone Komen compounded the problem as the heavy wind accompanied by incessant rain caused landslides, knocking down several buildings especially in Hakha, the capital of Chin state which is a mountainous region of Myanmar, meanwhile floods submerged hundreds of houses in the plain of Kalay, Sagaing division.
The government has designated four "national disaster-affected regions" in central and western Myanmar, where villagers are advised to move out to higher grounds due to rising waters.
"Logistics are extremely difficult. Assessment teams are having a hard time reaching affected areas," said Pierre Peron, Myanmar spokesman for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Myanmar's previous military government was heavily criticised for its sluggish response to Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, when about 140,000 people were declared dead or missing.
However, the current quasi-civilian government seems to be showing proactive response.
President Thein Sein promised authorities would do their "utmost" to provide relief, according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar.
On Sunday, President Thein Sein visited a low-lying town of Kalay in Sagain division; he told state TV that the government plans to begin reconstruction once evacuated people return to their homes as the water started to recede slowly.
In the mountainous Chin state bordering Manipur and Mizoram states of India, landslides have destroyed over 700 homes in Hakha, the state capital itself, it is completely cut off from surround areas, according to th Chinland Post newspaper.
Vice President U Nyan Tun together with Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Commander-in-Chief (Army), General Soe Win visited the flood hit communities in Chin State and Sagaing Region Sunday as well.
In Hakha, Chin State, the Vice President and delegation visited Hakha Baptist Convention hall and met with local people to discuss the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures in the region. The VP interacted with the local leaders and promised to do everything possible to help the victims. After visiting Chin State, the VP went to Tamu, Sagaing Region.
Rains have also battered Rakhine State, which hosts about 140,000 displaced people, mainly Rohingya Muslims, who live in exposed makeshift coastal camps following deadly 2012 unrest between the minority group and Buddhists.
In the neighbouring state of Manipur in India, one village in Chandel district was totally buried in landslide, claiming 21 lives, according to reports.
In Myanmar, rescue workers are facing to help tens of thousands of people facing severe floods, as there is danger of the outbreak of water-borne diseases after the flood.
Churches and para-church organisations are also mobilising their best efforts in helping the victims. Chin people scattered around the world are raising funds for their brethren in their native land as well. Chin churches in USA, Australia, Europe and outside of Myanmar are gathering funds for the victims.
