Kaladan River Erosion Displaces Over 150 Villagers in Western Myanmar

Severe riverbank erosion along the Kaladan River has displaced over 150 residents in western Myanmar’s Kyauktaw Township, leaving dozens of families without permanent shelter. On September 15, swift monsoon currents washed away six houses in Apaukwa Village. More than 30 households have been forced into overcrowded temporary shelters on relatives' property as additional homes hang precariously over the eroding bank. Nearby settlements—including Oakkyut and Akhasar villages—face similar destruction from annual monsoon flooding. Earlier in July, riverbank collapse along the neighboring Laymyo River swept away 18 houses in Anjanapura. Affected residents are calling on the United League of Arakan (ULA) to allocate land for permanent relocation and implement riverbank protection measures. Photo: Houses damaged by riverbank erosion in Apaukwa Village pictured on July 25, 2026.