Myanmar Floods Displace 10,000 in Kachin State

Heavy rains have caused rivers in Myanmar’s Kachin state to overflow, displacing an estimated 10,000 people, RFA reported yesterday.

This flooding could be worse than the record set in 2004, according to relief workers involved in ongoing relief operations.

Overflowing rivers have flooded towns along the Irrawaddy and N’mai rivers, displacing residents and forcing those in camps for the war-displaced to seek higher ground again. Landslides triggered by the rain have also caused casualties in recent weeks.

The Irrawaddy River continues to rise, exceeding its critical level by over four feet.  Residents are trapped on rooftops, waiting for promised rescue as floodwaters rise dangerously.

People in southern Myanmar along the Irrawaddy are worried the flooding will spread to their regions.