Flooding and Inundation Hit Most Townships Across Karen State
29 July, 2025
From July 10 to 28, continuous rainfall has caused rivers and mountain streams to overflow in seven townships across Karen State. As a result, water levels in towns have exceeded the warning level, leading to flooding, according to information from rescue and flood relief teams.
"The rainfall from the Wipha storm originating in Vietnam is lingering over Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar—caught in the storm system, it has been pouring continuously. In Karen State, rivers such as Thanlwin, Thaungyin, Haungthayaw, Gyaing, Attran, Hlaingbwe, and Yunsalin are overflowing due to runoff from the Dawna mountain range. This flooding occurs annually. Towns like Hpa-an, Kawkareik, Myawaddy, and Kyainseikgyi are currently flooded. In areas like Papun and southern Than Taung, where water flows down from the hills, there have been landslides and road damage," said a rescue worker from the Myanmar Red Cross Society operating in Karen State.
Currently, due to runoff from mountain streams, the Thanlwin, Gyaing, Haungthayar, and Thaungyin rivers have caused increased flooding in towns such as Hpa-an, Kawkareik, Kyundaw, Kyar-inseik- gyi, Myawaddy, and Hlaingbwe. As a result, residents in affected villages are being urgently relocated to temporary flood shelters in safe areas.
"The rain is so heavy that we can’t make phone calls, the electricity is out, and it’s very difficult to contact the rescue teams. We have to go by boat to find them, communicate with them, and help with evacuations. We have to be careful of the strong water flow, and the rain just won’t stop," said a member of the Myaing Kaley Social Assistance Association in Hpa-an.
Recently, according to the latest statement from the military council’s meteorology department on July 28, continuous rainfall is expected for the next two days, and river levels are likely to continue rising. A warning announcement has been issued to inform the public accordingly.
Due to the rising water levels of the Thanlwin River, flooding has affected neighborhoods in Hpa-an town. Around 10,000 residents in wards have been temporarily relocated to 15 flood evacuation camps organized by various groups, according to reports from PRM sources.
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