Anyar area expected to encounter water scarcity this summer
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Htet Nadi / Cherry (NP News)- Mar 19
The situation this summer presents an increased risk of the impacts of water scarcity in Anyar area, including Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay regions. Every year, these regions face water scarcity issues during the summer season. However, this year, due to the ongoing insecurity, the problem is expected to worsen.
According to Ko Yenantha Dingar, the founder of a humanitarian organization working on water supply and agriculture in these regions, the severity of the situation is growing. He spoke to The Statesman journal, saying: "At this time, it is not easy to travel to and from these areas. Even if you take the main road, you have to be very cautious and it takes a long time. In the villages, I can't even go there at all. We have to be very careful when traveling on the main roads and other areas because of the constant threat of landmines. I used to be able to go as I wished, but now I cannot. Just the other day, a mine exploded near a village where we had previously dug a pond for water. It’s fortunate that we didn’t go there, but now even the donors are reluctant to visit. They are risking their lives, and no one wants to go. It's a very difficult and worrisome situation."
Although water donors wish to provide assistance, they are unable to guarantee their safety due to the risks involved.
As a result, villagers living in conflict zones will have to survive in risky conditions.
"Villages located far from the main roads are rarely visited. The impact of water scarcity will only worsen. Water shortages in conflict-affected regions have been a recurring issue every year. People don’t value the rain anymore. In the past, water donors themselves were also exposed to the dangers of flooding and conflict, and now even they are at risk," said Ko Yenantha Dingar.
Meteorologist U Win Naing also highlighted the significant challenges in providing water aid.
"Villages that face water shortages, for example, in upper regions of Sagaing and Mandalay, such as Thabeikjing and Matara, are encountering difficulties in receiving water aid. The areas in Rakhine and the surrounding areas of Myeik are also facing similar issues. In such places, it is very difficult for water donors to go and assist. In our country, we are simultaneously dealing with both natural disasters and conflict-induced hardships. While natural disasters can be predicted, conflict-induced situations are much more difficult to anticipate. Even in more peaceful times in Myanmar, it has been very difficult to deliver water aid. Now, with the increasing frequency of such problems, it will only become more challenging," said meteorologist U Win Naing to The NP News.