- More than 470,000 people affected by flooding in Upper Myanmar
Heavy rainfall and water releases from dams have caused widespread flooding across Upper Myanmar, affecting approximately 470,648 people, according to an August 18 statement by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Flooding has affected 23 townships across Sagaing, Mandalay and Ayeyarwady regions. At least 28 people have died and two remain missing, while approximately 111,672 households have been affected. More than half of those affected are in Sagaing Region. Homes, farmland, drinking-water wells and ponds have also been damaged.
To coordinate emergency relief, the ministry and SFUIG-MoHAREM established the Joint Emergency Response Committee (JERC) on August 9. The committee has received an initial 100 million kyat from CSR funds and another 50 million kyat from Union and unit governments. Assistance is focusing on food, medicine and drinking water.
Plans also include mobile medical services, distribution of medicines and health supplies, agricultural recovery and seed distribution. The NUG says it is seeking additional support from domestic and international donors and organizations.
2. Four civilians killed in attacks in Kyaikto, Shwegu and Salingyi
A five-year-old child was killed and 11 civilians were injured when an artillery shell fired by Military Commission forces exploded in Zee Pyaung village, Kyaikto Township, Mon State, on August 19. The injured included children and teenagers, with four seriously wounded people transferred to Bago General Hospital.
In Shwegu Township, Kachin State, Military Commission aircraft reportedly carried out three strikes and dropped six bombs on a hospital in Myo Kone village on the night of August 18, damaging the hospital building.
In Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, a jet fighter reportedly bombed Yay Khar village on August 18, killing three civilians and injuring seven others. Some homes were also destroyed by fire. Residents have reportedly fled as troops stationed inside the Wanbao company compound continued firing artillery toward the village.
Meanwhile, a Military Commission column of around 500 troops was reported to be conducting operations in Mahlaing Township, Mandalay Region, where homes and religious structures were damaged and residents were displaced.
3. Fighting reported inside Sagaing city
Fighting broke out between Military Commission forces and resistance groups near the Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda in Sagaing city on August 19, with casualties reported on both sides.
The fighting began early in the morning and gunfire reportedly continued into the afternoon. A coalition led by Sagaing PDF members affiliated with SRF was involved in the clashes.
The area is considered strategically significant because Military Commission checkpoints and patrols operate nearby, and the pagoda is not far from Light Infantry Division 33 and the Ohn Taw artillery base. Details regarding casualties have not yet been confirmed.
4. Weapons seized after fighting in Saw Township
PDF forces reported clashes with a Military Commission column attempting to advance further into Saw Township, Magway Region.
Following the fighting, resistance forces said they recovered five MA-1 rifles, one MA-2, two MA-3 rifles, one RPG-7, one 60mm mortar, as well as ammunition.
PDF forces under the Magway Regional Military Command said they have been conducting prolonged resistance operations in Saw Township. They also urged conscripted soldiers accompanying Military Commission columns to defect if they wish to return to their families.
5. Former SRF members brought under NUG command structure in Mingin
Former SRF members were formally awarded People’s Defense Organization (Pa Ka Pha) insignia after completing organizational and refresher training in Mingin Township, Sagaing Region.
Under an agreement between Mingin Township authorities and the SRF, members who had not committed offenses were allowed to enter the NUG Ministry of Defense’s chain of command (COC) and continue participating in resistance activities.
Following their training, the former SRF members are expected to operate as a special combat unit under the Mingin Township People’s Defense Organization and follow the NUG Ministry of Defense’s command structure.
6. SCEF briefs Japanese media on Myanmar and federal democracy
Leaders of the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) held a press conference with Japanese media in Tokyo on August 10.
SCEF representatives explained the background to the organization’s formation, its current activities and its plans and objectives for establishing a federal democratic union. Japanese journalists asked questions about Myanmar’s current political situation, the process of building a new federal democratic state and SCEF’s political role.
SCEF representatives also met Myanmar nationals living in Japan on August 8 at an event organized by the NUG Representative Office in Japan. Participants discussed the federal democracy process, future plans and views and recommendations from the Myanmar community in Japan.
7. Boat operators honored for helping Shwebo flood victims
Boat operators and fishing-boat owners who participated in flood rescue operations in Shwebo Township were awarded cash prizes in recognition of their work.
From August 8 to 17, they helped with rescue missions and delivery of food and other supplies to flood-affected communities. Clean Yangon provided 100,000 kyat per person, with Shwebo District Battalion 26 distributing the awards to those who participated in the relief operations.
The battalion expressed appreciation to the boat operators, Clean Yangon and donors for helping communities during the disaster.
8. “Spring Aero Scout” app provides real-time alerts on military movements and airstrikes
The Spring Aero Scout (SAS) application is providing real-time information about Military Commission ground movements and air attacks.
According to Magway Region’s People’s Defense Organization, information about military columns and airstrikes across 25 townships in Magway Region is being uploaded to the application so civilians and resistance members can receive warnings about potential threats.
The system combines information from ground networks with online air-warning channels. The application was developed by the Spring Aero Scout group, whose members reportedly include resistance personnel on the ground, CDM students and teachers.
The Android application has been operating for around four months and has more than 5,000 users, according to the report.
9. UN Secretary-General calls for protection of humanitarian workers
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for humanitarian workers to be protected, international humanitarian law to be respected, and aid workers to be given safe and unhindered access to people in need.
His remarks came on World Humanitarian Day, August 19.
Despite operational and access challenges in Myanmar, humanitarian partners reportedly delivered emergency assistance to approximately 1.6 million people during the first quarter of 2026.
Guterres highlighted the role of humanitarian workers, many of whom are local and national responders working alongside communities under extremely difficult circumstances. He called on all parties to protect humanitarian personnel and ensure that life-saving assistance, protection and essential services can reach people affected by conflict, natural disasters and other crises.
That concludes this edition of m.CDM Domestic News.