Myanmar: Flood Situation Report, 16 September 2024

Highlights

• Heavy rains from Typhoon Yagi's remnants have resulted in significant flooding and damage in various parts of Myanmar. The flood impacted 59 townships in nine regions and states, including the state’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, and eastern and southern Shan.
• While data verification is challenging, estimated 631,000 people might have been affected by flooding across the country. Multiple sources indicate that hundreds of people have died, with many more missing.
• So far, most areas remain submerged, and evacuation and emergency assistance are ongoing. Despite challenges, humanitarian partners have started reporting on the impact and planning for response wherever possible.

Situation Overview

• Since 9 September, heavy rains caused by the monsoon season and remnants of Typhoon Yagi have led to severe flooding in multiple states and regions across Myanmar. Central Myanmar is currently the hardest hit, with numerous rivers and creeks flowing down from the hilly Shan State. There has been significant damage to road networks, transportation, telecommunications and electricity in affected areas. Most areas remain flooded, although some townships have started to see receding water levels.
• Massive flooding has affected more than 300,000 people in 10 townships in Mandalay and 6 townships in Magway regions. The number of affected people ranges from 30,000 to 100,000 in each township (Kyaukse, Myitthar, Sintgaing, Tada-U, Wundwin and Yamethin) in Mandalay Region. Severely affected people have been evacuated to safer locations.
• In the Mandalay Region, 40,000 acres of agricultural land were submerged, and 26,700 houses, 251 electric poles, 110 schools, 80 state buildings, and several bridges and road sections were damaged and destroyed. At least 30 people reportedly drowned, and more than 80 people remain missing in Yamethin Township.
• In Nay Pyi Taw, more than 60,000 people in four townships were affected by flooding, according to the state-run media.
• In southern Shan, 14 townships were affected by heavy rains and flooding. More than 80 per cent of Nyaungshwe Township has been submerged, affecting an estimated 74,000 people, including people displaced by the conflict. Heavy rainfalls and severe runoff hit the hardest in Kalaw, Hsihseng, Lawksawk, Pinlaung, and Shwenyaung townships, damaging homes and other structures.
• In eastern Shan, more than 18,000 people have been affected in Kengtung and Tachileik townships.
• In Kayin State, nearly 90,000 people in 5 townships are estimated to have been affected by flooding. Approximately 35,000 people were evacuated to temporary relief camps in Hpa-An Town. On 11 September, flooding and landslides reportedly killed five people and injured three more in Thandaunggyi Township. More than 300 temporary shelters in three IDP camps in Hpapun and Thandaunggyhi townships were destroyed.
• In the Bago Region, more than 87,000 people in Htantabin, Oktwin, Phyu, Taungoo, and Yedashe, Phyu townships were severely impacted. An estimated 5,000 people have been displaced to 13 evacuation centers in Taungoo Town. Two local volunteers in Taungoo lost their lives while rescuing affected people.
• In Kayah State, close to 9,200 people in 4 townships have been affected by flooding due to excessive water from the Mobye Dam. Flooding and landslides have caused significant damage to livestock, farmland, and properties.
• In Mon State, more than 900 people in Bilin and Kyaikhto towns were temporarily relocated to relief centers due to heavy rains and rising water levels in the Bilin River.