Search operations are underway for 13-year-old who went missing after being swept away by floodwater in Yangon’s Tamwe Township on Monday after heavy rain since early September has inundated major roads and residential areas across several townships this week.
“We have not found his body yet. We are still searching,” a Tamwe resident told DVB on Wednesday.
Flooding affected townships across Yangon, with water rising to about 3 feet (0.9 meters) on major roads around Tamwe, Kyaukmaung and Thingangyun townships on Sept. 9.
“Vehicles, city buses and pedestrians struggled to pass through the flooded roads, while stalled vehicles caused traffic congestion for hours,” the Yangon resident added.
Floodwater also entered dozens of wards in North Okkalapa, South Okkalapa, Thingangyun, Dagon Myothit, Thaketa, Dawbon, Ahlone, Hlaing Tharyar and Shwepyitha townships.
“Even before the rainy season, the municipal authorities did not properly clear the drains. Some drain covers are open and have not been repaired [and] are full of rubbish and sediment,” another Yangon resident told DVB.
“They could not operate water pumps because there was no electricity. Local residents and volunteer groups were left to rescue people.”
The flooding in Yangon also raises public health concerns as the city has recently reported an increase in acute diarrhea cases.
Seasonal rains have continued to cause flooding and landslides across Myanmar since July.
Recent floods in Sagaing Region’s Kale Township have killed five people and displaced thousands, while a landslide in southern Shan State’s Monghsu Township killed four on Tuesday.
