Inle faces economic ruin after devastating floods
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Khit / Cherry (NP News) - Nov 7
Locals in the Inle region, who have been severely impacted by recent floods, are facing significant economic hardship. They are hopeful that an influx of tourists will help revitalize their community.
Due to severe flooding in September, the annual Inle Phaungdawoo Pagoda Festival was canceled, bringing local businesses run by residents to the brink of collapse.
“When the floods hit, we had to struggle very hard. But thanks to the kindness of the donors, we were able to survive. They sent us aid from all over the place. Without their support, we wouldn’t have made it. We had no income at all during that time. Just last month, we couldn’t even get to the lake. It’s only been a few days since things started to get back to normal after the water went down. Right now, what we really need is money to fix our homes and get our businesses back on track. We’re still dealing with some health problems, but we’re doing the best we can,” said a resident of Inle.
The region experienced severe flooding shortly before the harvest season, resulting in substantial crop loss and economic distress for local farmers. The community is now reliant on tourism to facilitate their economic recovery.
“We’re seeing a few local tourists now, but no international visitors since COVID. It’s still not much. The motorboat rental business has been severely impacted, and it's been incredibly difficult. As for the upcoming Tazaungdaing Festival, we’re just hoping people will come. Right now, only a few locals are visiting Inle. We’re not the only ones struggling; everyone around here is facing difficulties,” the local resident said.
Schools that were submerged by floodwaters have reopened for Grades-3 and above. However, schools located in low-lying areas remain closed due to ongoing flooding.
“It’s been tough. Some people can’t work. They have to sit it out. We grow a lot of veggies in the lake, like tomatoes. But the water rose so fast that some plants were underwater. Even though the food shops are open again, they’re still damaged. Only about half of them are working. Some houses are too damaged to fix,” a resident of Nanpan told NP News.
Significant rainfall commencing on September 13 resulted in extensive flooding in the Inle region, affecting approximately 200 villages, including the iconic Inle Phaungdawoo Pagoda and its vicinity.