The UN in Myanmar say that heavy monsoon rains since the beginning of June have caused flooding in several states and regions of the country, affecting at least 26,000 people.
The affected areas include many of those Ayeyarwady, Bago and Sagaing regions as well as Chin and Rakhine states.
Fourteen people have died as a result of the floods and rain. Initial damage assessments suggest around 5,000 homes have been damaged and 280 destroyed. Flooding also caused damage to infrastructure including roads, bridges, wells and communal buildings.
Thousands were evacuated when the flooding first struck. Some have been able to return home, although there are many others who remain displaced while the flood waters are still high.
In a statement on 14 June 2016, Ms Janet Jackson, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar said:
“The states and regions that are now affected by floods are the same as those that were severely impacted by floods and landslides between July and August in 2015. On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to extend my sympathies to the families of victims and to all communities affected by the flooding.”
The State and Regional Governments are leading the response by conducing initial assessments and providing assistance including food and other relief materials to affected people in flooded areas. The UN says that preliminary assessment reports indicate that urgent needs include food, non-food items, tarpaulins, medicines and cash. Humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation across the country and are closely working with the local authorities to support them as needed.
Myanmar suffered enormous losses after severe floods and landslides in July and August 2015. Over 100 people died, 15,000 homes destroyed and 1 million people affected. The flooding had a devastating impact on agriculture across the country, prompting food security fears. Malnutrition in parts of Rakhine state was reported in January this year.
Rainfall
Rainfall totals for a 24 hour period, where figures are available.
14 to 15 June 2016
Dawei 59 mm
13 to 14 June
Katha 65.0 mm
12 to 13 June
Gwa – 80mm
09 to 10 June
Hkamti – 47.0 mm
Kalewa – 46.0 mm
Hakha – 75.0 mm
Minbu – 52.0 mm
Magway – 96.8 mm
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission from Pacific Disaster Center says that some coastal areas of Mynamar, in particular Ayeyarwady and Rakhine, have received over 250 mm of rain in a 3 day period from 11 to 14 June 2016.
