Flowering of bamboo leads to rats multiplying rapidly and the rodents eat crops in rural areas like Tonzang, Tedim, Falam, Thantlang, Matupi and Paletwa township in Chin state causing famine.

Rats are now everywhere in the region and have started eating paddy plants and other crops in farms. Even paddy kept in storehouses is not safe. But the military authorities have done nothing to kill the rats and prevent a famine.

“The rats not only eat rice but also bite children at night and the numbers are going up by the day,” said a local in Chin state.

“The more they (rats) eat bamboo flowers, the more they multiply. As a result, it can lead to famine because the rats are eating all the crops and paddy in farm,” a local added.

The authorities have reportedly acknowledged the problem the villagers face but are yet to provide help to eliminate the threat from rats. The locals therefore are using their own technique by beating the rats to death for self-preservation.

Bamboos are said to bloom, flower and bear fruits once in 50 years. It is called the end of the life cycle of bamboo.

The same thing happens in Mizoram state in India which shares a border with Chin state of Myanmar . But the Mizoram government has taken preventive measures to stop multiplication of rats. It is also into a public awareness campaign regarding possible famine.

In Chin state, there are no preparations or preventive measures adopted by the military regime. As a result, famine is likely the following year. In a bid to avoid the famine caused by rats, most Chin people are beginning the shift to Mizoram state. – KNG.