The Arakan Army (AA) is helping cyclone-affected Muslim villages in Rakhine state by providing food and assisting with home repairs in townships such as Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, and Buthidaung.
The Cyclone Mocha Emergency Rescue and Rehabilitation Committee for Arakan (Cyclone Mocha ERRCA) has announced that members of ULA/AA are distributing food, including rice, to the people of Rakhine who have been severely affected by the storm.
A representative from Cyclone Mocha ERRCA stated, "We are committed to providing emergency food supplies to townships in Rakhine, irrespective of race or religion. There are villages supported by various international and civil society organizations. Additionally, we engage in constructing houses for Muslims and offer healthcare services to the affected population."
Cyclone Mocha ERRCA was formed by ULA under the leadership of AA deputy commander-in-chief Dr. Nyo Twan Awng to carry out follow-up emergency relief operations for the people affected by the cyclone in a timely manner, to ensure that affected individuals receive shelter as soon as possible and to provide immediate assistance in terms of food, healthcare, and other necessary support.
Village officials said that ULA/AA is repairing homes damaged by the cyclone in Muslim villages such as Pa Yain, Paung Htoke, Tha Yet Cho, Yin Thel, Zee Zar, Nagar Kway, Ah Myauk Taung, Bu Ta Lone, Kine Taw in Mrauk-U township.
U Maung Kyaw Hla, the person in charge of Tha Yet Cho village, shared, "The top priority for ULA/AA is to construct houses for the most financially disadvantaged individuals who are unable to build homes on their own. As of now, we are still awaiting the delivery of food supplies. In our village, there were 14 houses that were completely destroyed. Out of those, we have successfully rebuilt three houses belonging to the poorest families."
U Maung Aye Thar, who is in charge of Yin Thel village, said, "We have built five houses for five extremely poor families. We haven't received any food yet, but the Military Council has given us three bags of rice. We appreciate and welcome the effort to construct houses for those in need."
Likewise, in Kyauktaw Township, AA has provided assistance in rebuilding houses that were destroyed in five Muslim villages, including Pauktaw Palaung, Goke Pi Htaunt, and Sin Oo Chai.
According to local residents, ULA/AA has provided food to Muslim villages in Buthidaung Township, including Zay Di Taung, Wet Ma Kya, Chut Pyin, and other Muslim villages.
A woman from Wet Ma Kya village shared, "In our village, they provide each household with one basket of rice. Although it is not sufficient, it is helpful during difficult times. Additionally, they have provided tarpaulins to us. There are houses that have collapsed and are currently under repair."
AA announced that they have received a donation of 1,000 million kyats from ethnic armed organizations, including the National Unity Government (NUG), through the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), to assist the cyclone-affected people in Rakhine State.
Cyclone Mocha ERRCA announced that various domestic, foreign, and other organizations are currently providing financial donations through ULA/AA to support the people of Rakhine affected by the cyclone.
According to AA, Cyclone MOCHA, which hit on May 14, caused the destruction of 216,681 houses in the townships of Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Maungtaw in northern Rakhine State. The cyclone has impacted over 1.2 million local residents in the area.
On the other hand, the Military Council has announced that they are delivering emergency food and providing shelter to the townships in Rakhine State that have been affected by the cyclone.
However, there are reports that in some villages, assistance and relief efforts from the Military Council, AA, and other social assistance organizations have not yet reached the affected areas.
