Floodwaters linger in Myitkyina’s low-lying areas, clean water and food urgently needed

Floodwaters linger in Myitkyina’s low-lying areas, clean water and food urgently needed

Floodwaters have not fully receded in three low-lying neighbourhoods of Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, and flood-affected residents are in urgent need of clean drinking water and dry food, according to local relief groups and residents.

“The floods have largely subsided, but water remains in Myint Nyein Aye, Mya Zedi, and Lae Kone wards,” said an official from the Myo Sett Thit social relief group.

The flooding began on 31 May following a sharp rise in the Ayeyarwady River due to heavy rainfall in Kachin State's upper region. Even urban parts of Myitkyina were inundated, with one death reported and many affected.

By the afternoon of 2 June, water levels began to recede across the township, leaving behind mud and debris. However, areas near the river remain submerged, forcing many residents to take shelter in monasteries, even as most official relief camps have closed.

“Some have returned, but cooking and daily life are still difficult due to the lingering floodwaters. We are planning to distribute clean water and other essentials. Drinking water is the most urgent need,” the Myo Sett Thit official said.

The junta’s Kachin State government reported on 2 June that 10,375 people had been affected and that 30 temporary shelters had been opened during the floods.

The flooding was triggered by the aftermath of Cyclone Remal and unusually intense monsoon rains, which caused the Ayeyarwady River to rise over six feet above danger levels, affecting central and lower Myanmar.

However, this year’s low-pressure system during the early monsoon is expected to bring less severe flooding compared to 2024, meteorologist U Win Naing stated on social media.

On 2 June, the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MOHADM) issued a weekly forecast warning of rainfall across most of Myanmar. It urged the public to prepare for natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, and heavy rains.

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