Floods in Kayin State: 44 schools reopen, 340 remain closed

Floods in Kayin State: 44 schools reopen, 340 remain closed
Published 2 August 2024

In Kayin State, 44 out of the 384 basic education schools temporarily closed due to flooding have now reopened, leaving 340 schools still closed, according to the state newspaper on August 1.

Since July 25, floods have prompted the establishment of 57 relief camps and the relocation of 6,800 households in low-lying areas of the state. 

Additionally, 60 temporary relief centers have been set up across Hpa-an, Hlwinebwe, Shwegun, Kamamaung, Myawady, Kawkareik, and Kyarinseikgyi, with over 28,000 flood victims reported by the Ministry of Information.

Heavy rains since late July have led to widespread flooding in Karen State, submerging low-lying residential areas and necessitating the temporary relocation of over 28,000 people from 7,350 households to 60 flood relief camps and temporary shelters.

On July 30, Kayin State Minister U Saw Myint Oo and officials visited Hlinebwe Township, distributing food to flood-affected residents. The Chief Minister and his team also assessed the damage caused by flooding along the Hlinebwe-Hpa-an highway and surrounding roads, including the impact on nearby paddy fields. They met with affected individuals at Aung San Hall in Hlinebwe, where the Chief Minister announced plans to address the disaster and support those impacted.

The Chief Minister, alongside his team, distributed rice, food provisions, and dry rations valued at K844,200, sourced from the Disaster Management Department of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, to 402 people from 87 households. They also provided lunch boxes to the affected population.

Following this, the Chief Minister and his team conducted an inspection of Hlinebwe by boat and visited a cyclone shelter and flood relief camp in Kamok Kachu village. There, they donated eggs and dry rations to 246 people from 59 households.