The death toll after the rising tides at the festival of Kyaikne Yele Pagoda in Mon State has risen to at least 20 as an additional five corpses of pilgrims were recovered, as of 4pm on November 22nd.

Local residents say that the corpses of 1 man and 4 women were recovered on November 22nd.

Around 7:30 am on November 21st at the Kyaikne Yele Pagoda festival in Thanbyuzayat township, a rising tide swept away pilgrims who were walking along the sea waterway to pay homage at the pagoda.

Security forces, firefighters, members of the Red Cross Society and aid organizations and local residents continue to undergo search and relief efforts.

The Kyaikne Yele festival is held annually from 1 to 3 Waning of Tazaungmon in Myanmar calendar (in November) . The pagoda attracts large numbers of pilgrims from across Myanmar. The festival is located about two miles from the beach between Emkhe and Wekalaung villages, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State.