Flooding occurred in nearly 40 townships across Myanmar, resulting in hundreds of deaths, with additional aid still needed, according to statements from humanitarian organizations on the ground. 

The affected areas totalled nearly 40 townships including Taungoo, Tachilek, Kalaw, Yamethin, Tatkon in Nay Pyi Taw, Hpa-An, Nyaungshwe, Zigon, and Htantabin, where floods began on September 11, causing some villages to be completely submerged.

According to interviews by The Daily Eleven, the most affected areas are Tatkon, Yamethin, and Kalaw townships, where deaths occurred due to drowning in floodwaters, landslides, and other water-related incidents. 

In Yamethin Township, where there are gold mines run by Moehti Moemi gold mining company, villages including Thapyepin were entirely submerged, and mud and debris have covered these mountain villages, according to local reports.

"As of this morning, there are still only 75 reported deaths and missing persons. However, it could be worse than we anticipated. There might be worse situations ahead. Currently, we can't even go up to the mountains. Cliffs have collapsed, and the news from there could be very dire. But we can't confirm it yet. We can't make assumptions. The death toll remains at 75. Cattle and other animals have also died," a local from Thapyepin village in Yamethin Township stated on the afternoon of September 14.

Thapyepin village is home to thousands of people, with many working in the gold mines, indicating a relatively thriving community. Some bodies were found at the foot of the mountains, including those of children.

"In Thapyepin, there are nearly a thousand people. There are many gold mines, so people live there. It is quite a bustling place. The village is prosperous because of the gold mines. Bodies were found floating in a large copper pool, including those of children," another local from Yamethin reported.

The flooding and landslides began in the early hours of September 12, causing many casualties as it occurred at night. 

"It happened around 1 a.m. on the 12th. Since it was at night, there were casualties. So far, there are 75 dead and missing. The exact death toll hasn't been released yet. That's the current number. The death toll might rise by tomorrow. There are also gold mines on the mountains, where people may have been trapped, but we don't know how many yet," said another local from Yamethin.

In mountain villages, silt and sand that came with the flood have covered the areas, and with the roads to the mountains being destroyed, so access is challenging. 

"In Kan Thar Aye village, one house and one person were swept away. As of now, no trace of them has been found. It's a very tragic situation," a local from Yamethin stated.

Currently, mudslides have covered villages, including Thapyepin in Yamethin, where there are many gold mines. Houses have also been submerged, and as of September 14, with no rain, efforts are being made to access the mountain villages to assess the situation, according to some locals.

Similarly, in Taungoo, due to the rising waters of the Sittoung River, flooding has occurred in the town and its surrounding villages, with rescue efforts continuing even at night, according to humanitarian organizations. 

A Taungoo-based humanitarian official involved in flood rescue operations said, "In Do-Inn, Lay Ein Su, East Hsinthay Village, Kyayin, Htonbo, Kwan Thee Pin, Tha Phan Pin, Chaung Kam, Ywa Tan Shay, Pyitauk Kone, Latpan Taga, Thayet Taw, Shan Wadi, Hsinthay Ywa Lay, Naung Bo, Kambani, Pade, and Kyun Thayar, the situation is very serious. Even two-story houses are flooded, with some people climbing to their rooftops. Some people are stuck in trees, and the elderly and children are trapped. In some villages, due to the embankment breaking, they are trapped. The situation is very dire, and we are trying our best to help. In some places, even rescue operations are dangerous," the official wrote on social media.

The main challenges faced by humanitarian organizations conducting flood rescue operations include insufficient rescue boats and strong water currents. 

"There are many requests for help on the phone and online, but we can't reach everywhere. Boats are essential. We have to ask for help from people we know. If we don't have it, we have to rely on donations," a humanitarian organization official involved in rescue efforts in Tatkon, Nay Pyi Taw, stated.

"There are enough volunteers, but what is really needed in places where the water is very high are large boats with powerful engines, experienced boat operators, and skilled swimmers. There are places where boats can't enter, and people have to swim across to rescue others. We want to be prepared for areas where the water is expected to rise," Ko Toe, involved in flood relief efforts, wrote on social media. 

In its statement on September 13 regarding the floods, the State Administration Council announced that flooding had occurred in 34 townships across seven regions and states, affecting 59,413 households and 236,649 people. It also stated that 187 relief camps had been opened and that 33 people had died due to floods across the country, including in Nay Pyi Taw.

General Zaw Min Tun said, "There are 33 deaths and one injury nationwide. In some places, communication has been cut off since the rain began. In Yamethin, there are reports that some Moehti Moemi gold mines were affected by landslides and that people were displaced. We are still investigating these cases," he stated.

Some artists, famous athletes, and individuals have also made donations in connection with the floods. 

Former boxing champion Htun Htun Min has auctioned his championship belt for flood relief, with a floor price of 50 million kyats. The highest bid reached 37 million kyats on September 14. The auction will close on September 20, and the belt will be awarded to the highest bidder. 

"I fought with my life to win this belt, and it is precious to me, but in light of the suffering of the flood victims, I can no longer hold onto it. That is why I decided to auction it off. The belt will be given to the highest bidder, and all the proceeds will be donated," former champion Htun Htun Min said.

Additionally, artists, including actress Khine Hnin Wai, have made donations, with over 3 million kyats raised, as reported by Khine Hnin Wai. Furthermore, some individual donors have also made contributions to humanitarian organizations for flood relief. 

However, there are still needs related to the floods, and humanitarian organizations continue to rescue those who are trapped. 

In towns like Taungoo, which experienced flooding and rescue efforts at the end of August, residents faced three floods within two months. 

Similarly, in areas like Nay Pyi Taw, which had not experienced such flooding before, people were affected, and there were casualties.

Thus, continuous flood relief efforts are needed, including assistance for villages not yet reached by rescue teams. 

Currently, immediate rescue operations are crucial, and later, rehabilitation work will be necessary.