Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) reported that Shweku Township, Bamaw District, Kachin State got nearly 4 inches of rain in a hour on June 30.

Unlike the same period last year, Shweku Township got rainfall of 3.82 inches recorded between 9:30 am to 10:30 am on June 30 according to U Toe Toe, in-charge of Shweku Township, Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. 

“It’s been over 20 years in my work experience that I experienced that kind of rainfall. I’ve sent report to the headquarters of DMH. According to observation, nearly all Shweku Township got the record rain that led to destruction of paddy fields. It is a part of climate change,” said U Toe Toe. 

“Due to the heavy rain, all the paddy fields were flooded with mountain torrent and all the agriculture tools in the fields were washed away with the tide.  People living in the low-lying areas had to flee to the higher grounds. I had never experienced like that severe rain,” said a local from Ngabat village.

Bamaw-Moemauk-Lweije road section had to close on June 29 due to heavy rain. 

In August 16 to August 17, 2016, Myitkyina got highest rainfall of 10.24 inches within 51 years. 

In Kachin State, the record rainfall was 10 inches in 1979 according to DMH.