Continuous heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding and landslides in Hpakant and Mogaung townships of Kachin State, causing road blockages and widespread disruption across the region, according to locals and humanitarian groups.
In Hpakant Township, overflowing waters from the Uyu River have inundated residential areas for more than a week. In addition to the flooding, landslides have forced the emergency evacuation of more than 800 residents.
“Only boats with high-powered engines can navigate the Uyu River right now, but it's impossible to travel upstream when the current is at its strongest. On days when the rain is particularly heavy and the water flow is intense, people simply can't cross the river. Even boats fitted with two powerful engines wouldn't dare attempt it. That's why delivering assistance to flood victims has become extremely difficult,” a volunteer involved in rescue operations in Hpakant said.
As relentless rainfall continues, roads and residential areas in Hngetpyawtaw, Ma Shi Ka Htaung, Lone Khin, and other parts of Hpakant Township remain submerged.
Residents living along creek banks and in low-lying urban neighborhoods have been forced to relocate to nearby higher ground, Buddhist monasteries, and Christian churches.
On June 21, a landslide struck Aye Mya Thar Yar Ward in Hpakant Town, leaving a 50-year-old man missing. Rescuers found only his mobile phone and slippers at the location where he was last believed to have been.
At present, only a handful of local civil society and volunteer groups are carrying out rescue operations in the area.
“The floodwater flowing through the downtown wards isn't as powerful as the current in the river. But because the flooding is inside the town and villages, operating motorboats isn't practical. We're using rafts to shuttle people back and forth and helping residents relocate whenever they need to move,” the rescue worker added.
Meanwhile, a landslide caused by heavy rain has blocked the Hpakant–Kamaing Road, leaving many vehicles stranded and unable to pass through.
“It's true that the Hpakant–Kamaing road has been cut off. The rain has been falling nonstop. A section near the Tadanyinaung area collapsed in a landslide, causing the blockage. Vehicles traveling to and from Hpakant will likely have to suspend operations temporarily over the next few days,” a Hpakant resident said.
At the same time, rising water levels in Nam Yin Creek and Nam Kawng Creek have caused flooding in Mogaung Township. Since June 20, at least 12 villages, including Myo-U, Ywathit, Zaykone, and Kyuntaw, have been affected, forcing residents to evacuate to safer locations.
According to estimates from humanitarian groups, the combined number of flood victims across the two townships could range from 800 to 1,000 people.
Rescue teams reported that many residents remain trapped on the upper floors of their homes. They also expressed growing concern for the safety of the man missing in the Hpakant landslide, after more than 48 hours have passed since he disappeared.
Locals and volunteer organizations are conducting flood-relief operations on a self-help basis, with no apparent assistance or coordination from either local authorities or the junta and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which each control parts of Hpakant Town.
According to the junta's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, heavy rainfall is expected to continue for another eight to ten days across Kachin State, northern Sagaing Region, Yangon Region, Bago Region, Arakan (Rakhine) State, and Shan State. Meteorologists have warned residents in flood-prone communities to stay vigilant as heavy rains continue to heighten the threat of flooding and landslides.
