August 13, 2026
Continuous heavy rains and rising tides have caused the Thanlwin (Salween) River to overflow across Karen State. While the military junta spreads propaganda showing them opening relief camps and distributing aid in the urban wards of Hpa-An, zero rescue or assistance efforts have been provided to the severely inundated villages along the riverbanks.
According to water level measurements at 7:30 AM on August 13, the Thanlwin River in Hpa-An reached 848 centimeters, exceeding its danger mark of 750 centimeters by 98 centimeters. As a result, nearly 40 riverside villages in Hpa-An Township are currently submerged.
Facing these life-threatening conditions without any state support, villagers are forced to rely entirely on self-organized evacuation and relief plans, according to a resident from Min Zi Thaik Taw village.
“The water has been rising for five days now, and the rain hasn’t stopped. We moved our belongings to higher ground and had to move in with neighbors who have two-story houses. Rescue operations are entirely self-reliant. Absolutely no one has come to provide aid or support,” the local resident explained.
Currently, massive flooding has hit areas including Hton Aing, Zathabyin, Mokkathi, Myaing Ka Lay, Hpa Kat, Wut Gyi, Thaik Taw, U Daung, Shwe Gun, Myaing Gyi Ngu, and all the way to Hlaingbwe. The roads connecting these villages are completely washed over by floodwaters, making car and motorcycle travel impossible and forcing locals to commute solely by motorboats.
Meanwhile, in Hpa-An town, junta administrative officials and pro-military groups are distributing food in flooded urban wards primarily to post photos and videos of their “relief efforts” on social media.