Mizzima

Torrential rains resulting in the rise of the Sittaung River have caused flooding in nine villages of Mone Township, Nyaung Le Bin District in the Bago Region since 7 October. As a result, around 8,000 local residents have been forced to seek refuge in emergency shelters.

The Karen National Union (KNU) Central issued an announcement on 10 October stating that due to continuous rainfall and subsequent floods, residents from villages including Thapyay Nyunt, Kyaukgyipouk, Mankyeetaw, Laylankone, Tawpu, Zeekone, Kyattatnyaungpin, Deikpon, and Nyaung Pintha were compelled to evacuate for their safety.

Those villages are known to frequently experience displacement due to ongoing conflicts between the Military junta and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

A member of the Karen Emergency Relief Committee said: “Revealing the location of the emergency shelters is prohibited for security reasons. Furthermore, if an emergency shelter is established, the Military Council is notified within 15-20 days, which often leads to heavy weapons being fired at the shelters. So, the shelters are set up randomly in order to avoid detection and prevent the Military Council.”

Mone Township falls within the jurisdiction of the KNU Brigade (3). Between 7 to 11 October, there was persistent rainfall, resulting in the overflow of the Sittaung River and subsequent flooding. The Karen Emergency Relief Committee, a CSO that operates in Karen and Karenni states, reports that the flood victims are currently in need of food, medicine, and warm clothing.

The people who have been displaced due to the fighting are now also dealing with the challenges of the flood. The Karen Emergency Relief Committee has been providing assistance to the best of their abilities. 

Furthermore, the floods have caused damage to rice fields and peanut farms in several villages. Additionally, some schools have been temporarily closed due to the flooding. The extent of the damage and the duration of the school closures may vary depending on the severity of the floods in each specific area.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, which is under the control of the Military Council, has issued a warning for Bago, Naypyidaw, Lower Sagaing Region, Mandalay, Magway, Shan State, Kayah State, Karen State and Mon State. These areas are expected to experience rainfall that is higher than normal.