Severe flooding in Karen State has resulted in the deaths of at least five people, including children, and several others remain missing, according to rescue organizations.
On July 26 and 27, heavy flooding in Myawaddy Township led to the deaths of a three-year-old child and three elderly men in their 50s, who were swept away by the current and drowned, confirmed an emergency rescue team member in Myawaddy.
“We’ve confirmed that one child and three adults have died. We are still investigating the specifics, such as their names and exact locations,” the rescue team member said.
Additionally, in Hpa-an Township, another elderly man drowned amidst the ongoing flooding, reported the local emergency rescue team.
“There was one elderly man here who drowned after drinking alcohol. We’re not sure about his exact age or other details as we’re not the primary rescue team,” said a local rescuer in Hpa-an.
On the afternoon of July 28, a man in his 40s went missing in Hpa-an, and search efforts by rescue teams are still ongoing.
While the water levels in Myawaddy Township have started to recede today, nine wards in Hpa-an remain submerged. More than 7,000 residents are currently displaced and are taking shelter in 20 temporary relief camps set up in nearby areas.
Since the third week of July, continuous heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding across nine townships in Karen State and Mon State, according to reports.
