Since early March, some townships in Mon State have been facing drinking water shortages.

The wells in Kyaikmaraw township started to dry up in the second week of March.  People have had to rely on water trucks,  reported a  local from Kyaikmaraw Township.

"In the past, the water supply was cut off after the Thingyan  (a water festival that occurs in mid April).  Now it is getting worse. The water supply gets  cut off in March and then we have to buy water," he said.

According to locals, there is a shortage of drinking water in Mawlamyine, Kyaikmaraw, Kyaikto and some parts of Thaton.

Young philanthropists from Kyaikmaraw Township are donating water to areas where there is a shortage of drinking water.

In Mawlamyine Township, there are also water shortages in Zay Kyo, Shwe Taung Ward, Taung Paw Tan and in some Myine Thar Yar wards, said one water donor. Water is being supplied to urban areas in Mawlamyine by the Kimmon Chone Dam and the Shwe Nat Taung Dam.

" Every year we donate. We see water shortages earlier than before. If we get asked for help, we make water donations. Now people are asking for help every day," he said.

Groups that are donating water to those in need are finding it difficult to get to remote places due to rising fuel prices.