Myanmar: Flood-related disruptions ongoing in Myitkyina, Kachin State as of July 2

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Kachin State's capital Myitkyina as of July 2. Heavy rainfall in recent days has led to rising river levels in the Irrawaddy River since June 28. As of July 2, the Irrawaddy River is around 1.35 meters (4.5 feet) above the danger level and many parts of the city have been inundated by floodwaters. Authorities have evacuated at least 2,000 people across the city and many others are reportedly trapped in their homes by the floodwaters. Around 20 wards have been severely affected, with those closest to the riverside the worst affected. Power supply and mobile communication outages have been reported in parts of the city.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has advised that floodwaters may begin to recede from around July 4; however, further showers are forecast across the region over the coming days and could exacerbate existing disruptions, particularly in areas where the ground is already saturated.

Disruptions may persist even after the flooding has subsided as authorities work to clear debris. Localized power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding has impacted utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.