Flash floods struck Taungoo on the morning of June 20, damaging bridges in nearby villages and flooding several neighborhoods, according to local charity groups and residents.

The sudden floodwaters, triggered by heavy overnight rains, caused water to overflow from dams and creeks, resulting in flash floods rather than a gradual rise in water levels, explained Ko Kyaw Thura from the Save The Trees Rescue Team.

“Because it was a flash flood, there was no need to open a flood relief camp,” he said. “The water rose quickly but subsided shortly after. We only had to evacuate some households for safety. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries.”

Among the damaged infrastructure were the Sutat  Ywalei school bridge and the Letkok Kone Bridge in Taungoo Township, which collapsed under the force of rising waters. Flooding was also reported in Kokko Pinsu, Zee Pin Thaf, Sin Seik, and Kin Seik villages, where village roads and agricultural fields were submerged.

Evacuations are currently underway in Ward 11, district  9, and along Kinseik Road in Taungoo Township, as the Khapaung River continues to swell. Buildings and motorcycles along the riverbanks were swept away as water levels peaked around noon.

While there is concern that the Khapaung Dam could contribute to further flooding, officials clarified that no emergency release of water has occurred. The dam remains 37 feet below its maximum capacity and continues to release water only for regular hydroelectric power generation. The Khapaung dam authorities issued a notice on social media, assuring the public that there are no special outlets discharging excess water at this time.

Local residents and rescue teams remain on alert as rainfall continues in upstream areas, particularly near Panbe Creek and Chaung Ma Nge Creek, which feed into the Khapaung River system.