According to data obtained by Kantarawaddy Times, five civilians died in and around Balu Chaung river in Loikaw, Karenni State, during the month of May. The deaths were caused by various causes, including drowning.

The five deceased included four men and one woman. The deaths occurred on May 7, May 10, and May 13.

According to information posted on the social media page of the Shwe Nyaung Pin Social Assistance Association, a body was found in Balu Chaung river with only parts or half of the remains intact, and it was buried by the association.

Regarding the frequent discovery of bodies, a local resident shared his concerns.

“In some cases, we don’t know the circumstances, so it makes us think about various things. For example, some of the bodies that were found do not appear to be simple drowning cases. There have been bodies with severed heads. When such bodies are found in the water, it makes us wonder whether all of them can really be explained simply as drowning incidents.”

The two victims whose bodies were discovered on May 7 and May 13 were both men. The causes of their deaths remain unknown, and only their bodies were found.

The remaining three deaths occurred on May 10. All three victims were cousins who drowned while bathing in the river.