The collapse of the Ngawun Dam has sent floodwaters into Laymyethna town, forcing residents to evacuate as urgent rescue efforts continue for people stranded in surrounding villages.

A local teacher described the situation on Friday morning, saying, "Floodwaters have reached the town, and the main road is underwater. Schools have been closed. There are still people trapped in the villages, and they need to be evacuated immediately."

The Hinthada District Network Social Assistance Association said it began emergency operations after receiving reports of the dam emergency on Thursday evening. The group has been working alongside the Fire Services Department to evacuate residents. It added that two ambulances from the Karen Baptist Church and two from Hinthada General Hospital transported patients from Laymyethna Hospital to Hinthada overnight.

"As floodwaters entered the town this morning, we coordinated with partner organizations to deploy additional personnel and vehicles for rescue operations. Several villages remain inaccessible and require boat rescues. We urge organizations and individuals with boats or rescue capabilities to contact us and assist," the association said.

U Kyaw Win Naing, Ayeyawady Region Hluttaw representative for Laymyethna Constituency and chairman of the Joint Committee on Dams and Embankments, said more assistance is urgently needed for those trapped by the flooding.

"Some people are sheltering in monasteries in the villages, including those displaced by fighting. They believe the monasteries are safe, but they are still at risk from rising floodwaters. They need to be relocated to the western bank before conditions worsen. We urgently require more boats and support from social welfare organizations. We are coordinating with the regional government, parliament, relevant departments, and volunteer rescue groups," he said.

The Ayeyawady Region Fire Services Department said floodwaters from the Ngawun River had flowed into Myitkyo Lake before spreading into nearby wards and villages. Rescue and evacuation operations are underway in Wards 3, 4 and 5, as well as Jam Kone, Kyun Kone and Kung Chan Kone villages.

At 7 am, a command team led by Regional Fire Chief U Aung Swe Win arrived in Laymyethna to oversee operations, deploying monitoring, rescue and evacuation teams throughout the town. Authorities also announced the temporary closure of schools due to the flooding.