Rakhine State, Western Myanmar: Flood Situation Update No.1

HIGHLIGHTS

• Flooding has affected an estimated 98,282 people in 22,195 households across 18 wards and 201 villages in Rakhine State, with the highest impact reported in Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U and Ponnagyun townships.

• Floodwaters have receded in most central and southern townships, and affected people who had temporarily evacuated have reportedly returned home, but needs remain significant as damage to houses, bridges, paddy fields and household property continues to affect recovery.

• Flooding began in early July following heavy rainfall and rising river levels, initially affecting low-lying areas in central Rakhine before expanding to other central and northern townships.

• Safe drinking water, sanitation, food assistance, essential relief items, health care, shelter support and early livelihood recovery remain the most urgent priorities, particularly in areas where water sources and sanitation facilities have been contaminated or damaged.

• Humanitarian partners have initiated multi-sector response activities, including WASH, health, food security, multipurpose cash assistance, cash-based relief and emergency shelter support, but the response remains below the scale of assessed needs.

• Access constraints, damaged roads, disrupted communications, limited stocks and incomplete assessments continue to hamper the timely delivery of assistance and the identification of priority gaps.