Border News Agency
Minbra, July 21
In Minbra Township, Arakan, erosion along the Laymro River has forced the relocation of at least 10 houses near the riverbank, according to local residents who spoke to BNA today.
The houses that were relocated are from Minbargre Ward, and a list of the houses to be demolished has been submitted to the relevant authorities, according to U Hla Thein Maung, the administrator of Minbargre Ward, who spoke to BNA.
“For now, we’ve compiled a list of the houses that need to be demolished. We’ve submitted it to the relevant authorities. Whether it’s land or anything else, if something can be arranged, we’ll try to provide it,” he said.
Local residents say that preparations are being made to relocate other at-risk homes near the riverbank to safer locations.
Currently, those who have already relocated are staying with relatives, and residents say that the relevant authorities need to provide land or make arrangements for more permanent solutions.
Riverbank erosion due to monsoon-season flooding is something residents in wards like Minbargre, U Soe Tint, and Pyitawthar in Minbra town have to face every year.
Effective preventive measures are needed to address this issue, said Ko Shwe Htoo, a resident of Minbra, speaking to BNA.
“The riverbank soil is soft because of the rain, and underneath, the river is eroding it, creating hollows. When the waves hit, the bank collapses. This kind of riverbank collapse happens almost every year. People living near the river are warned almost every year to move in with their relatives. There’s a real need to prevent these collapses. Trees that help protect the riverbank need to be planted to stop it from giving way.”
Minbra’s Port area also faces annual riverbank erosion caused by the river’s water, residents say.
In August 2024, after heavy flooding in the Laymro River, riverbank erosion in Minbra town damaged two houses, and about ten more homes had to be relocated to safer areas.
Similarly, in 2023, riverbank erosion in Minbra town, including Minbargre and U Soe Tint wards, caused the collapse of riverbanks, forcing over twenty houses to be relocated to safer areas, according to local residents.
