August 11, 2026
Residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across 17 villages in the western part of Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, are facing severe flooding, according to Shwebo District Battalion 26.
The flooding, which began on August 7, has severely impacted 17 villages, including Thabut Taw, Ingyin Pin, Maubin, Sin Inn, Thaung Htut Kaing, Ku Toe Seik, Nyaung Pin Hla, Nyaung Kaing, Ma Bway, Htanaung Kaing, Tee Thee Taw, Kyaung Shar Taw, Yone Taw, Yay Kyi Wa, Than Pa Ya Chan, Yay Taw Mu, and Win Si.
“Each village has a population of around 1,000, mostly comprising IDPs. The water levels rose suddenly and unexpectedly. We experienced floods in 2015, but it wasn’t this bad. Due to the unprecedented scale of the flooding, many are trapped. We are prioritizing the rescue of the elderly, pregnant women, and children,” said Ko Pi Lun, Commander of Shwebo District Battalion 26.
Currently, flood victims are in desperate need of food supplies. While drinking water is essential, rescue teams noted that local wells in some flooded villages remain partially usable.
“Initially, we thought packed meals and purified water were the main priorities. However, sending packed meals by boat takes a long time under the hot sun, causing the food to spoil before it reaches the victims. Therefore, we are urgently requesting dry rations primarily rice, cooking oil, and raw ingredients,” Ko Pi Lun explained.
Rescue operations are facing severe logistical challenges. If heavy rains continue, navigating the Mu River will become impossible. Lacking motorboats, rescue teams have to rely entirely on small fishing boats to evacuate locals living along the riverbanks.
“People are terrified that the water will keep rising. Before we could properly organize the boats, panic caused people to rush and scramble, leading to boats capsizing and leaving those in urgent need stranded. Each small boat can only carry three to five people,” the Battalion Commander added.
Authorities have issued a strong warning to donors and charity organizations coming to assist: to prevent unnecessary accidents, donors are urged not to enter the dangerous floodwaters and should instead drop off their donations safely at the riverbanks
