In Chin State, an area devastated by Cyclone Mocha, nearly three months have passed, yet effective aid remains elusive, and the townships that bore the brunt of the cyclone's fury are still grappling with urgent requirements for construction materials.
Salai Min Nyo, a member of the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), asserted that the most affected townships lacked adequate aid from local and international donors, with the Military Council intentionally obstructing
supply channels, exacerbating hardships for Cyclone-hit Chin people.
"The main difficulty we're facing is the lack of funds. Connecting with NGOs and helping the storm-affected people is daunting task due to restrictions imposed by the Military Council. The freedom of movement for humanitarian organizations is limited, making it very tough for us. The National Unity Government (NUG)’s ability to provide funds for the Chin people is also hindered by the country's current state of turmoil”, Salai Min Nyo told Khonumthung News.
Cyclone Mocha arrived off the coast of Rakhine State on May 14th and also impacted landlocked Chin State. Except for Tonzang, all eight townships in Chin State were affected to varying degrees. According to ICNCC, the cyclone caused extensive damage, destroying 2,774 homes, 185 schools, 102 religious buildings, 12 healthcare facilities, 259 granaries, 6 halls, and other constructions, totaling 3,338 buildings.
Matupi in Chin State bore the brunt of Cyclone Mocha's devastation, with the worst damage recorded. Daw Hla May, a relief worker and member of the Matupi Township People's Administrative Team, highlighted that Matupi other townships and villages, are still relying on their own efforts for recovery after the storm, emphasizing the urgent need for construction materials.
"In the rainy season, it's tough to get bamboo from the forest, and travel to towns is not allowed, so we couldn't buy nails or roofs. Most people affected by the storm are living in temporary bamboo huts, enduring the weather. The storm's impact made it hard for the whole community to support each other. Many granaries were destroyed, causing food scarcity. People shared and ate all the rice in the villages, and basic cooking ingredients like oil and salt are also running low”, Daw Hla May said.
Many villagers whose homes were destroyed by the storm have sought refuge in monasteries and schools with minor damages. Some are living in temporary makeshift huts with their own arrangements. To rebuild their houses, they urgently require building materials like nails, metal roofs, pillars, and bamboo, locals emphasized.
A person assisting war-displaced individuals in Kanpetlet Township reported that NUG and ICNCC have offered emergency food, cash and tarpaulin sheets as shelters for people impacted by the cyclone in nine townships in Chin State.
Kanpetlet has historically faced transportation difficulties due to its geographical position, and the recent road damage, landslides, and phone network disruptions caused by Cyclone Mocha have further reduced the chances of receiving help, he added.
"In some villages, the cyclonic wind was so strong that houses were completely blown away. Normally, the whole community helps repair the damaged houses, but the shortage of building materials is causing many difficulties. In the war -refugee camps, people are living in makeshift tarpaulin tents as temporary shelters”, he informed Khonumthung News.
State-owned newspapers under the control of the Military Council reported that on July 7th, the Military Council allocated 372,824-million Kyats for the reconstruction of houses and buildings damaged by the storm in Hakha, Falam, Tedim, Paletwa, Mindat, and Matupi Townships in Chin State.
