Heavy rainfall has triggered landslides and flash floods in Thandaunggyi Township, Karen State, resulting in the death of 8 people including children, with several others still missing, according to local residents and officials from St. George’s Youth – ThaundaungGyi. The continuous rainfall, which began on August 3rd, led to severe landslides in and around Thandaunggyi town on August 4th and 5th. The natural disaster has caused extensive damage to orchards, residential homes, and has disrupted the Taungoo-Thandaunggyi main road due to landslides and flash floods, severely impacting transportation infrastructure.
As of August 6th, the rain continues to fall, causing significant disruption to inter-village road networks and creating major transportation challenges. The entire Hteepukyi village has been temporarily evacuated due to landslide risks, and numerous houses within Thandaunggyi town have suffered extensive damage from the landslides. Rescue operations have been hampered by ongoing military tensions in the region, making it difficult for civil society organizations and humanitarian groups to access affected areas and provide assistance.
A local humanitarian worker reported that this level of natural disaster is unprecedented in the region, with massive water surges and landslides causing houses and bridges to be swept away. Two bridges have been completely destroyed, and the situation remains critical. The worker emphasized that search and rescue teams will be necessary to locate those who have been swept away by the floods, noting that some villages have lost approximately half of their area to landslides. The ongoing military conflict in Thandaunggyi Township and strict security measures at entry and exit points have made it extremely challenging for rescue workers and humanitarian aid to reach the affected areas.
