Severe Flooding in Myanmar's Tanintharyi Region: Death Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Severe flooding and landslides have struck Myanmar's southern Tanintharyi Region, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths and approximately 30 individuals reported missing. The disaster unfolded from September 24 to 27, following heavy rainfall that began on the night of September 25, which was part of a broader weather system affecting neighboring Thailand.

According to local reports, including from the Tavoyan National Federation, a resistance group, the flooding has displaced nearly 400 residents who are now seeking shelter in temporary accommodations in Aukyaehpyu village, located 12 miles (19 km) south of Dawei, the regional capital. The group also indicated that around 50 homes were destroyed by landslides across 40 villages in the affected area.

“Hein Htet confirmed that eight bodies have been recovered, while between 20 and 30 people are missing.”Hein Htet, local volunteer group

Hein Htet, a member of the local volunteer group People’s Administration Team, confirmed that rescue operations have recovered eight bodies, with ongoing searches for those still unaccounted for. Among the deceased are three teenagers who were gathered at a local monastery when a landslide struck, burying 18 buildings in their village.

Reports indicate that telecommunications have been severely disrupted, complicating rescue efforts. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has forecasted continued heavy rain along the Tanintharyi coast, exacerbating the situation as a low-pressure system remains over the Andaman Sea.

“The scale of natural disasters in Myanmar is often difficult to judge due to an ongoing civil war.”Straits Times

This flooding event marks the third significant flooding incident in the Tanintharyi Region within a month. Earlier in August, over 2,000 residents were evacuated when the Tanintharyi River surpassed its danger threshold. The National Unity Government (NUG) reported that flooding in other regions of Myanmar, including Sagaing and Ayeyarwady, has affected over 610,000 people, resulting in at least 32 deaths across multiple townships.

Local residents have expressed concern over the scale of the disaster, with many villages reporting extensive damage and ongoing risks of landslides due to saturated soil conditions. As rescue teams continue to work under challenging circumstances, the need for immediate humanitarian assistance has become increasingly urgent.