Appeal for Flood-hit Villagers as Recovery Works Progress in Chin State

03 September 2011: The Chin Youth Organisation (CYO) has launched a fund-raising appeal to assist the flood-affected victims in Tedim Township of Chin State in their rebuilding and recovery activities.

In its statement, CYO said that it makes efforts in raising fund in collaboration with the Tedim Youth Fellowship (TYF) to contribute toward helping Chin locals recover from destruction caused by heavy rains in recent weeks.

About 20 villages in Tedim Township, Burma’s Chin State, were severely affected in early last month by ‘unusual’ torrential rains that had caused flash floods and heavy landslides damaging houses, roads, farmlands, bridges, water pipes, mini-hydro plants and forests.

CYO urges communities, churches and business owners as well as capable individual across Chin Diasporas to make contribution for natural disaster-hit villagers in Chin State, the poorest among 14 States and Divisions in Burma.

Dr. Salai Van Thawng Lian, CYO General Secretary, said: “It is great that our brothers and sisters in flood-affected areas have taken their own initiatives as much as they can in rebuilding rather than just waiting for help from heaven. However, it is very slow. Our collective effort and contribution will surely make their recovery works faster and help them to get back on their feet.”

The Zomi Association of USA, a non-profit organization engaged in working for the welfare of refugees and promoting human rights and democracy in Burma, has also called for emergency aid and long-term assistance for Tedim villages.

Formed in 2001 during the first Lai Seminar held in Battle Creek, Michigan State, CYO is committed to working for development in various forms of Chin migrant youth, protection of Chin indigenous literature and cultural heritage in particular, and for the cause of democracy, peace, equal rights and freedom in Burma.

Van Biak Thang
[email protected]