Flash Floods Turn Myanmar Into the Great Indoor Winter
By the end of July 31, 2018, around 118,000 people had slipped into improvised refuges across 285 camps. The flood‑driven disaster has already claimed 11 lives, including three brave soldiers, and there’s still a risk of more unsheltered civilians drifting into the riverbeds.
Hitting the “Home” Sweet Home…
- The mud‑slick waters seeped into thatched roofs and obliterated farmland in four provinces.
- Rescue teams paddled in boats to ferry people out of the swamps in Hpa‑an, Karen State.
- Folks tried anything from riding on makeshift rafts to wading while clutching kids and plastic bags of survival gear.
- Social Welfare Ministry Director Phyu Lei Lei Tun reports:
“We might still miss a few casualties, but we’re only now collecting the full tally.”
Where’s the Water? Or Where Is This Vase?
Some areas see the water recede, yet authorities warn that the deluge could be in it for an indefinite period. Meanwhile, the unfortunate 5th casualty occurred in a landslide in Kawthaung Township, at Myanmar’s southermost point.
Warnings and Resources
- Evacuation orders are still live for many regional floods.
- Rivers are not only higher but look like beer mugs with danger levels above safety thresholds.
- Thirty‑six dams and reservoirs overflowing, giving the place a blatant demo of “I‑do‑not‑care-what‑you‑want.”
Mekong Gulf‑Stormling
Heavy rains have booked the Mekong region for an every‑day disaster. Thousands have been forced to pack their belongings in a desperate huddle of urgency, trading home sweet homes for dry tarps.
Laos’ Dramatic Downfall
- Last week, the massive dam in southern Laos collapsed, not just crunching sand but entire villages and at least 11 lives. Earlier reports had ominously pegged it up to 27.
- Floodwater raced into neighboring Cambodia, whisking out many worried home‑owners.
- International rescue teams—Thai, South Korean, Chinese specialists—flood the scene, hunting for those who might still be hidden within the ruins.
So, you can wrap it up to read this: If you see a river that looks a little \”not so dry,\” just remember the forecast says there’s more work ahead.
