Thousands stranded by massive flooding in Kachin capital

A shortage of rescue workers is hampering efforts to evacuate residents of the Kachin State capital Myitkyina to safety as water levels in the city continue to rise, according to locals. Residents of wards next to the Ayeyarwady River began fleeing their homes late Sunday, but flooding has since spread to other areas, including the downtown core, sources told Myanmar Now. “Almost every ward in downtown Myitkyina has started to experience flooding,” said one resident, noting that even people living in Si Tar Pu Ward, the most elevated part of the city, have begun to relocate. One of the few areas still not under water as of late Monday was the Myitkyina Myoma Market. However, the Yaytin wet market in Myoma Ward was reported to be inundated. All schools and markets in the city have been closed since the flooding began, and those able to escape their homes have sought shelter away from the floodwaters, residents said. “People from single-story houses have relocated now. They are moving to relatives’ houses, churches, and monasteries,” said a local resident. “So far, there are no flood relief camps,” he added. Flooding in Myitkyina (Supplied) While food and other necessities have been distributed to some of the displaced, residents said that efforts to rescue those unable to escape the flooding remain inadequate. “There is an urgent need to focus on rescuing people rather than just providing food,” said one woman. “There are people stranded and in need of rescue boats. Some of them have been posting requests for help online all night.” As of Monday, there were still people trapped in their homes in Paw Oo, Kung Phang Phang, and Rampu wards, said the woman. While a number of organisations and individuals have attempted to rescue those in need of assistance, their efforts have reportedly been hampered by a lack of boats and fuel to operate them. Local residents also noted that junta troops, who are sometimes deployed to provide support during natural disasters, have been absent from the rescue effort. The regime’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology announced on Monday that the Ayeyarwady had risen five feet above the danger level in Myitkyina. It also indicated that the water level could rise by another two feet over the next two days. Locals also reported ongoing rainfall in Myitkyina, raising fears that conditions could continue to worsen. “The water level is still gradually rising. It’s raining right now, which means the water level will likely increase further,” said a local man. In recent months, Myitkyina has been sheltering people displaced by fighting between the military and the Kachin Independence Army in nearby Maingmaw Township and other areas. One shelter, the Myint Nying Aye Buddhist monastery in Lel Kone Ward, has reportedly been badly affected by the flooding. According to the 2014 census, Myitkyina has more than 240,000 inhabitants, a number that is likely much higher now, in part due to the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Heavy rains have also flooded areas north of Myitkyina, including an IDP camp in Chipwi, a town on the N’Mai River, as well as parts of Tanai and Hpakant townships.

Thousands stranded by massive flooding in Kachin capital

Residents of Myitkyina say that many remain in need of rescue as water levels in the city continue to rise

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