More than a thousand people, including many displaced by conflict, have been evacuated from flood-hit areas along the border between Karenni and Shan states, according to local aid groups.
Heavy rainfall from Typhoon Yagi last week has caused rivers and dams in the region to overflow, worsening the plight of those already affected by years of conflict between regime and resistance forces.
“Moebye is the hardest-hit area due to its proximity to the Baluchaung River and the Moebye Dam,” said a volunteer assisting the displaced.
Moebye, a small town in southern Shan State’s Pekhon Township, is located less than a mile downstream from the Moebye Dam.
Volunteers have appealed for donations to provide humanitarian assistance to flood victims. “We urgently need food and basic necessities for the flood victims. Drinking water is also critically needed in Moebye,” said a representative from the Karenni Humanitarian Aid Initiative.
Local sources report that nearly a dozen villages and thousands of acres of farmland have been inundated along the Baluchaung River, which flows through both Pekhon and Loikaw Townships in Karenni State. Parts of Loikaw, the state’s junta-controlled capital, are also submerged.
Floodwaters also remain high in many areas of Demoso and Shadaw townships, which are largely controlled by resistance forces. Rescue efforts in these regions have been hindered by a lack of adequate equipment.
“At least 300 shelters at a camp for the displaced in eastern Demoso Township have been damaged,” reported a representative from the Karenni Human Rights Group. Another 48 houses were damaged in Shadaw Township, according to a local volunteer.
The Karenni Interim Executive Council, which administers the resistance-held areas of Karenni State, estimates that over 28,700 people have been affected by floods in four townships of Karenni State and Pekhon Township since September 9. At least 12 displacement camps have been submerged.
Local sources also report that at least 18 members of the Karenni resistance and three civilians have been killed by the flash floods.
