Farmlands in Katha District have been the worst-affected by floods brought on by heavy rainfall in Sagaing Region.
“The water level in the Ayeyawady River in Katha District has reached (35.43 ft), which is above the danger mark of (34.12 ft). Low-lying farmlands have been submerged and devastated. Currently, farmers have begun cultivation using the direct seeding method,” said U Phone Maung, the head of the Katha District Agriculture Department.
According to data recorded on 22 August, a total of 5,833 acres of farmlands in Shwebo, Katha, Kalay, Mawlaik, and Khamti districts in Sagaing and Naga regions have suffered severe flooding.
“Although we were worried about late cultivation in flood-hit farmlands, some farmers in hill regions have begun sowing crops. So, we don’t need to worry about the flood-hit areas,” he added. The floods have ravaged over 3,700 acres of land in Katha and Htigyaing townships, over 1,800 acres in Kalay Township, 35 acres in Nanyun Township of Naga region, and over 30 acres of Phaungpyin Township in Mawlaik District.
“A total of 5,800 acres of farmlands, including 5,200 acres of paddy fields, 280 acres of sesame fields, and 190 acres of sugarcane fields, have been damaged,” he added. — Myo Win Tun (Monywa)
(Translated by La Wonn)
