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(14 August, 2015) - CARE is scaling up its response to widespread flooding in Myanmar amid fears the inundation may cause major food shortages.
More than 100 people have been killed by the flooding with over a million people now affected.
Almost 700,000 acres of farmland, including rice paddies and other crops, have been damaged.
“As the water starts to recede we will get a more accurate picture of just how much agricultural land in the north has been damaged,” said Australian Stav Zotalis, CARE’s Country Director in Myanmar.
“Often people don’t realise the long-term impact of flooding. For farmers especially, it will take many months for life to return to normal.”
CARE will continue to provide emergency relief supplies such as water purification packs, tarpaulins and hygiene kits, with a longer-term plan to distribute seeds to help 20,000 people replant their crops.
The relief effort is supported by a $500,000 contribution from the Australian Government.
There are fears a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal also could bring further strong winds and heavy rainfall to areas already affected by the floods, such as Rakhine State.
CARE has worked in Myanmar since 1995 to improve the lives of people in poor communities through empowerment of women and their communities. CARE has ten offices throughout in Myanmar, with over 290 staff working across the country.
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