Widespread flooding triggered by days of heavy rainfall has displaced more than 18,000 people in Mon State, Karen State, and Bago Region, with rivers and creeks spilling over into homes and villages, according to local residents and social assistance groups.
Rising water levels from major waterways, including the Bilin River and Donthami Creek in Mon State, the Thanlwin and Thaungyin Rivers in Karen State, and the Sittaung River in Bago Region, have inundated large parts of Bilin, Thaton, Hpa-an, Hlaing Bwe, Kawkareik, Kya-In Seik Gyi, Taungoo, Oakdwin, Htantapin, Madauk, and Shwe Kyin townships.
In Bilin Township alone, nearly 6,000 people have been affected, with eight temporary relief camps currently operating.
“Water levels have dropped by about two inches compared to yesterday. It hasn’t rained since morning, and there’s been some sunshine,” said an official from the Bilin Township Social Assistance Association.
Displacement due to flooding spans several regions: more than 5,000 in Hpa-an, over 4,000 in Hlaing Bwe, more than 2,000 in Taungoo, over 1,000 in villages near Myaing Kalay in Hpa-an Township, and over 200 in Thaton. In total, Mizzima estimates that at least 18,000 people have been impacted.
“If the water level in the Thaungyin River drops, it will flow into the Thanlwin River, causing levels to rise again on this side. Right now, the water is still rising. Over 700 people have already left this morning, and by evening, that number will exceed 1,000,” said a source in Myaing Kalay.
Although rainfall has stopped in most affected areas including Taungoo, Bilin, Hpa-an, and Myawaddy, residents remain on high alert as floodwaters linger.
“There are 10 relief camps in Taungoo and three in eastern Oakdwin. Over 2,000 people are currently affected in Taungoo, with more than 100 in Oakdwin. We’re uncertain about other towns.
Although water levels remain above the danger mark, they are beginning to fall. What we urgently need now is food and water,” said Ko Kyaw Thura from the Save The Tree Rescue Team.
The floods have already proven deadly. Between 27 and 30 July, flash floods and landslides in Taungoo District have claimed three lives. In Bilin, a person died after being struck by a falling tree. The Do Thaung Bridge on the Taungoo-Htantapin road was also destroyed, and several homes were damaged.
Motorists have been warned to exercise caution on flooded stretches of the Hpa-an-Thaton road, the Yangon-Mawlamyine highway between Thaton and Bilin, and the Taungoo-Htantapin road.
According to a 7:30 am update on 30 July from the junta’ Meteorology and Hydrology Department, water levels in the Bilin River are expected to recede below the danger mark within 24 hours. However, flood alerts remain in place for the Thanlwin, Sittaung, and Thaungyin Rivers in Hpa-an, Taungoo, Madauk, and Myawaddy townships.
Mizzima continues to verify reports from other townships as the situation develops.
