Residents and rescue groups report shortages of clean drinking water and food in flood-affected villages between U Lay and Chaunghnakhwa villages in Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State.

Flooding has affected villages in Niton, Kwan Ngan, La Mu Kho, Kawt Dun, Kaw Panaw, Phar Thein, Mae Ka Than, Paw Law Kone, Phar Thein Kanna and Chaunghnakhwa village tracts since the second week of August, according to a Mae Ka Than resident.

Residents initially pooled food supplies and moved to safer areas, but prolonged flooding has depleted their stocks, leaving them in need of drinking water and food.

The resident said several villages along the banks of the Ataran River remain flooded, with some yet to receive assistance.

A social welfare and rescue group based in Kamawet, Mudon Township, has delivered drinking water, instant noodles and fruit to some affected villages. The group said it was providing assistance to villages that had not yet received support, as far as it could reach.

Mon State Hluttaw representative U Aung Ko Win Than said efforts were also being made to provide clean water and food by coordinating with local authorities and community representatives.

Heavy rain and runoff from mountainous areas have caused the Ataran River to overflow. More than 6,600 houses in 15 wards and village tracts, including two wards in Kyaikmaraw town, remain affected, with more than 32,000 people from 6,697 households impacted by the flooding. Around 37 basic education schools also remain temporarily closed.