Myanmar floods kill over 10, force 54k people to camps
Surging floodwaters have killed at least 10 people and forced tens of thousands from their homes across swathes of Myanmar, a government official said on Sunday as more heavy monsoon rain battered the region.
Vast areas of farmland were submerged by muddy water stretching to the horizon, with only the rooftops of houses visible. Some stranded people were plucked from the churning waters by rescuers in boats, while volunteers used rafts made from barrels and pieces of wood.
Other flood victims waded through waist-deep water to escape, carrying children on shoulders trying to keep precious belongings out of the water. “There have been 10 people killed by the floods,” a Ministry of Social Welfare official said, requesting anonymity, adding the figure included three soldiers. “There are over 54,000 displaced people affected by the flooding around the country.”
Evacuation orders were issued in several areas, while some 163 camps were set up for displaced people in southern, eastern and central parts of the country.
“There are normally floods, but not like this year. This year is the worst ever,” said Myint Myint Than, one of the hundreds taking refuge in a shelter in Bago.
Others are holding firm, refusing to leave their flooded homes in spite of the warnings from authorities.
“I’m not going to the shelter yet because some shelters don't have any places left. But if the flooding gets any worse than this, I will have to escape,” Khin Mar Yee told AFP through the upper window of submerged house.
The floods in Myanmar come as a heavy monsoon pummels the region, bringing downpours contributing to the collapse of a dam last week in Laos, which left scores dead or missing.