Heavy floods and landslides have struck southern Myanmar, resulting in a significant loss of life. According to Hein Htet, a local rescue worker, at least eight people have been killed, with between 20 to 30 individuals still missing in Tanintharyi's Launglon township. The region has been experiencing intense weather conditions since Friday night, with heavy rains affecting neighbouring Thailand and causing flooding in Bangkok over the weekend.
The affected area, Tanintharyi region, has seen severe weather conditions, with a local monastery being hit by a landslide on Sunday. Three of the recovered bodies were teenagers who had gathered at the monastery but were swept away by the landslide, which also buried 18 buildings. The situation remains critical, with continued rainfall posing a threat to people and villages in the danger zone.
Authorities have yet to release an official toll, which may be attributed to the ongoing civil war in the country, complicating aid efforts. The conflict often makes it challenging for humanitarian organisations to assess the scale of natural disasters. Hein Htet mentioned that the rescue team is inundated not only with the scale of the flood but also with the lack of resources, describing it as a natural disaster in a conflict area.
Myo Min, chair of the volunteer Dawei Zabuthiri Emergency Medical Service, provided additional insights into the situation. He stated that some villages have become accessible only by foot, and aid teams have found hundreds of residents displaced from their homes to monastery shelters. Furthermore, he estimated that the death toll could be between seven and 10 people, with 20 to 30 missing.
The disaster has highlighted Myanmar's vulnerability to climate change. With a population of 51 million people, Myanmar ranks among the 10 nations most vulnerable to climate change, according to non-profit Germanwatch. The country has also faced significant aid cutbacks following US President Donald Trump's decision to slash Washington's humanitarian budget.
The impact of the floods is not limited to Myanmar, as neighbouring Thailand has also experienced severe weather conditions. Bangkok declared a flood disaster over the weekend after almost 48 hours of heavy rain left homes, shops, and roads waterlogged. The situation in both countries remains a concern, with rescue teams working to provide aid and support to affected communities.
The floods and landslides in southern Myanmar serve as a reminder of the region's susceptibility to natural disasters. With ongoing conflict and limited resources, the challenge of providing aid and support to affected areas is significant. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly to locate missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.
Key points
- At least eight people have been killed, and up to 30 are missing in southern Myanmar due to floods and landslides.
- The disaster has highlighted Myanmar's vulnerability to climate change, ranking among the 10 most vulnerable nations.
- Neighbouring Thailand has also experienced severe weather conditions, with Bangkok declaring a flood disaster.
