3 August 2010: With rat infestation on the rise again, rodents are destroying crops in more than 20 villages in Paletwa and Matupi Township, Chin state western Burma.

Bamboo flowering in a 50-year cycle, which causes famine, started in one place in 2006 and spread to other areas.

“Rats are multiplying this year again. They eat all our crops leaving us no chance to harvest,” said Lianthet, a villager of Nga Pang, Matupi Township.

The affected areas in Matupi township are Am Soi, Ma Du, Voi Lu, Thing Khong, Tui Chip, Palato, Si Hleh, Pan Tui, Ling Tui, Tho Tui, Nga Pang, Rung, Rawh Thang, Bel Khoeng, Kheng Ca, Kui Ca, Boi Chip and in Paletwa township are Ui Ci, Dui, Tui Ca, Hung, Mung Ta Nu, Khai Canu, Aih Ca and Long Dan villages.

These areas are in remote places and where communication and transportation is difficult, so authorities turn a blind eye and do not provide any assistance. Some local people are working in Lawngtlai district, Mizoram northeast state of India to earn a living.

“Some have decided to resettle in Mizoram state this year as rats are increasing by the day. Most of the villagers, however, will be left in their villages by the end of this year,” he added.

A Matupi resident, who is on the Indo-Myanmar border area said, “There was bamboo flowering in northern Chin sate and Paletwa Township last year. When the bamboo flowers and rats eat them they multiply, in turn eating fruits in orchards and crops in fields and godowns.”

In previous years, Chin relief groups and other NGOs had provided aid for people facing famine in Chin state. Bamboo flowering has been not yet ended in Chin state and it can lead to extended famine for many villagers in Chin state.