Myanmar Spring Chronicle – September 16, 2024
(MoeMaKa) September 17, 2024
How will Myanmar overcome the dangers of floods following the dangers of war?
As Myanmar has faced over three years of armed conflict, the intense rainfall from the remnants of the tropical cyclone “Yagi” has led to unprecedented landslides and flooding. Five days later, the extent of the damage and the number of casualties are gradually becoming clearer. The heavy rains began around September 9 in the eastern town of Tachileik and reached central Myanmar’s Mandalay region by September 11. The flooding has since spread southward along river channels, causing ongoing danger in cities like Taungoo, as of September 16. The full impact of the disaster remains unknown, but homes, farmland, and human lives have been lost in the affected areas, particularly in villages along the Sittoung River south of Taungoo.
The military council reported on September 15 that 113 people had died, 64 were missing, and 14 were injured. However, the actual death toll and number of injuries are expected to be much higher based on reports from various local media sources. In just one township, Ywathit, over 100 fatalities were reported. Some outlets claimed that over 200 people might have died in Kalaw, southern Shan State, but local officials could only confirm finding 12 bodies. The exact number of fatalities remains uncertain, and some estimate of 200 is considered speculative.
In Tachileik, the easternmost town of Myanmar where the cyclone first hit, there were also casualties from drowning. The aftermath of the flood in Kalaw, Shan State, and in Mandalay region’s towns like Pyawbwe, Ywathit, Kyaukse, Wundwin, Myittha, and Pyi Nyein, along with Taungoo and Phyu in Bago region and Dimawso in Karenni State, shows widespread fatalities.
With the rising number of casualties, which now exceed hundreds, the scope of destruction is becoming apparent. According to a statement from the military council on September 16, 226 people have died, 77 are missing, over 120,000 livestock have been lost, and more than 600,000 acres of farmland were submerged. A total of 56 townships were affected, and 2,116 houses were destroyed. Other reports indicate that more than 65,000 homes were damaged.
These figures reveal the extent of the damage caused by the floods. Nearly half of the areas affected by the floods are also conflict zones, where access to roads and essential supplies has been restricted. For example, villages on the eastern bank of the Sittoung River have been denied free passage for food and medicine by the military council, even during this flood crisis. In Karenni State, villages in Pekon township face similar restrictions, with no freedom for flood aid delivery due to military blockades.
The devastation from the floods, including the loss of homes, crops, and livestock, means that people will need to find the strength to recover. The military council may hope for international aid, but assistance from countries like Russia, China, India, and Thailand, which have friendly relations with the junta, remains uncertain. No detailed reports have emerged yet on whether the United Nations, which the military often criticizes, will be able to provide significant help.
South Korea has announced a contribution of $13 million to help flood victims. Immediate humanitarian assistance is urgently needed, but long-term recovery efforts, such as rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods, will take years. Whether Myanmar can effectively carry out these recovery efforts amidst ongoing armed conflict is doubtful.
Even as the flood disaster unfolds, fierce fighting continues in other parts of Myanmar, dimming hopes for any meaningful political or economic recovery.