Myanmar – Record Rain Causes Floods and Landslides in Mon State

Record breaking heavy rain has triggered flooding and landslides in parts of Mon State in the south of Myanmar.

The towns of Mawlamyine and Mottama are the worst hit areas. Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye yesterday visited affected communities yesterday, 17 June, 2018, according to Myanmar News Agency.

Houses, a school and a hospital have been damaged in Mottama. The Kyaikthalan Pagoda in Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State, was damaged by a landslide.

A temporary relief camp has been set up at a school to provide accommodation and food supplies and the Minister for Social Welfare announced financial aid for the flood victims. Local media report that at least 1,000 people have been displaced by the flooding.

Record Rainfall

The flooding was triggered by heavy rain in the areas that has been falling since 16 June. Mudon, a town in Mon State about 22 km south of Mawlamyine, recorded 297 mm of rain in 24 hours between 16 and 17 June, 2018, beating the previous record high of 296 mm set in 2004.

According to Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology further heavy rain is expected in Mon and Kayin States and Taninthayi Region over the coming days as the monsoon remains vigorous over the Andaman Sea and South Bay.

Floods in Northern Myanmar

Last week at least one person died and 3 were missing after floods and landslides in the north of the country, including Rakhine state.

The Myanmar Red Cross Society said they are continuing to distribute relief supplies to victims of flooding and strong winds that hit parts of Sandoway District in Rakhine State over the last few days.

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