Myanmar: July floods kill two, displace more than 110,000 as of July 23

Event

According to Myanmar’s Department of Relief and Resettlement, two people were killed and more than 110,000 displaced in floods across the country from July 1 to July 23. Flood victims were from Ayeyarwady region, Bago region, Sagaing region, Magwe region, Kayin state, Mon state, Rakhine state, and Lew in Nay Pyi Taw. Government officials also warned that more rain and subsequent flooding is expected in lower Myanmar over the week of July 24. Rivers across the country have risen above safe levels, and officials warned of the risk of sudden and severe floods for those living near rivers or in low-lying areas in Hinthada, Zalun, Madauk, Ngathaingchaung, Tharbaung, and Maubin. According to Rakhine state officials, the recent flooding has caused USD 7300 (10 million kyat) worth of damage to roads and homes.

Context

Flooding is a common occurrence in Myanmar from June through August as heavy rain causes rivers to overflow. In June, six families in the Thayet district and Magwe township were displaced due to the floodwaters and two people were reported dead in Shan state. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by floods in the last two years.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.