Flood-hit Myanmar braces for more as meteorology department issues warning

More flooding is feared in Myanmar as the junta-controlled meteorology department warned on Wednesday that much of the country is facing another round of heavy rain and strong winds from remnants of Typhoon Krathon, currently over Taiwan. Cold air coming from the South China Sea is expected to mix with warm air from the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea to bring downpours across Myanmar, including areas still reeling from last month’s floods. Most of the country will be affected, with heavy rainfall anticipated in every state and region from now until Sunday, according to the meteorology department. This comes as many remain displaced in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which hit Vietnam in early September and inundated much of the rest of Southeast Asia. In Myanmar, where more than 400 died as a result of flooding and landslides, few are prepared to face another wave of destruction. “My mother and children are at still sheltering at the monastery. I have just begun removing silt from our home, but with news of another impending flood, I’m not sure whether I should continue or evacuate. I’ll just wait and see,” said a resident of the regime’s capital, Naypyitaw. For others, especially the very young and the elderly, the warning brings not just uncertainty, but a reminder of what they went through just weeks ago, according to a relief worker in Naypyitaw. “The wounds of these individuals are not yet healed. Those who lived through the recent flooding are still feeling the mental effects of that experience, and hearing about the possibility of more floods forces them to relive their trauma,” he said. Flood victims in Bago Region’s Taungoo District, where relief efforts have been limited due to junta restrictions, on September 14 (AFP) But the warning has also alerted some to the need to be better prepared this time. “If people just wait for rescue workers to help, they will be in serious trouble,” said another man assisting flood victims in Naypyitaw, urging locals to collect rations ahead of the coming deluge. In many areas, such as around Inle Lake in southern Shan State’s Nyaungshwe Township, floodwaters have barely begun to recede, according to local residents. “Many houses are still submerged, and residents are increasingly concerned about worsening conditions from heavy rains and the loss of contact with family members,” said a Nyaungshwe native currently living in Naypyitaw. But the situation is worse in areas under the control of resistance, where the regime continues to obstruct relief efforts, according to locals. “It’s extremely challenging to get food and water, because charity groups aren’t permitted to come here,” said a resident of Yedashe Township in Bago Region, where resistance forces are firmly established along the Sittaung River. “Now that more floods and strong winds are on the way, we are preparing to leave for the city,” he added. The military council announced on September 27 that Typhoon Yagi resulted in 433 fatalities, with another 79 reported missing. More than 5,604 buildings were also destroyed throughout the country, according to official figures. However, aid workers say the actual numbers of fatalities, missing persons, and damaged homes are likely much higher.

Flood-hit Myanmar braces for more as meteorology department issues warning

Forecasts of heavy rains from the remnants of Typhoon Krathon raise fears of a repeat of last month’s devastation

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