Lives at Risk as Severe Floods and Landslides Hit Southern Shan State

Continuous heavy rainfall in Southern Shan State has triggered severe flooding in four townships, Kalaw, Aungban, Hopong, and Shwenyaung, leaving residents in urgent need of emergency assistance, according to local rescue workers.

In Kalaw, torrential rains since August 9 have caused the Kalaw Creek to swell significantly. Floodwaters have inundated low-lying areas, particularly Wards 2 and 4, forcing the majority of residents to evacuate their homes.

Although water levels visibly receded this morning (August 11), a local rescue worker warned that the danger is far from over. With the rain persisting, sudden mountain torrents could cause the creek to rise again.

“The water was still rising until after 5 PM yesterday. It dropped slightly during the early night, rose a bit again, and went down considerably this morning. But from our experience, we cannot say it is completely safe yet. We have to monitor the situation closely tonight,” the rescue worker said.

In Hopong, located in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone, Swam Mi Road in the West Ward has been completely submerged, causing severe traffic disruptions. A local resident expressed extreme frustration, noting that this flooding happens annually but authorities have failed to implement any effective preventative measures.

“This has been happening for over 10 years. The elected MPs have done nothing. When they want votes, they promise to do this and that. But once they win, they never show up. The PNO (Pa-O National Organisation) can’t do anything either. They are all the same,” the frustrated resident said.

In Aungban and Shwenyaung, continuous rains have also started flooding low-lying wards, prompting rescue organizations to issue early evacuation warnings to the public.

Similarly, in Taunggyi, a brick wall of a house in Area 10, Hnin Si Road of Kyaung Gyi Su Ward, collapsed yesterday afternoon, causing damage to household items in the kitchen area.

The current crisis has terrified locals, bringing back traumatic memories of the record breaking 2024 floods in the Inle Lake region of Nyaungshwe Township, which killed nearly 20 people and submerged over 100 homes.

With floods threatening multiple townships across Shan State, rescue organizations are urging residents to stay highly alert, monitor weather forecasts constantly, and prepare emergency evacuation plans.