By Kantarawaddy Times
Since September 11, floods caused by the rising Pon Chaung River have affected the displaced people living on the east bank of Pon Chaung, in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp located on the eastern side of Dee Maw Hso in Karenni State. Communication with the displaced individuals has been difficult due to the river’s high water levels.
Crossing the river has become challenging due to the strong current, and existing motorboats have been swept away by the floodwaters, making it impossible to provide assistance. Khu Beh Reh a displaced man, explained the urgent need for a motorboat to reach the stranded IDPs.
“We had motorboats on Pon Chaung, but they’ve been completely washed away by the floodwaters. We need a motorboat to check on our brothers and sisters stranded on the east bank. We don’t know what their situation is regarding food and shelter, and as long as the water hasn’t receded, it’s impossible to cross. What we really need now is a motorboat to go and help them, provide supplies, and check on their well-being,” said Khu Beh Reh.
Although the water level has slightly decreased in recent days, the strong current still makes it too dangerous to cross. The lack of communication with the trapped displaced people has raised concerns about their access to food, shelter, and medical care.
There are over 200 households stranded in IDP Camps 1, 3, 5, and 7 on the east bank of Pon Chaung.
The Nway Oo Guru organization, which has been assisting displaced people, also stated that an emergency motorboat is urgently needed to help rescue and assist those trapped by the floodwaters at Pon Chaung.
