Flooding in Taungoo, Bago Region, has affected an estimated 5,000 people from towns and villages.

Heavy rain and rising water levels in the Sittaung River caused water to start flooding low-lying areas of Taungoo on the night of August 26.

According to Ko Kyaw Thura from Save the Trees Rescue, the most severely impacted areas include Wards 8, 9, and 10, particularly in Oatkyuttan, Kyatshar Sun, Myogyi Thebonseik, and lower Ahlei Kyun. In some places, the water has reached over a man’s height.

Currently, flood victims are taking shelter at locations like Pawtawmu Pagoda and schools such as BEHS (6), BEHS (2), and Primary (1) in Oatkyuttan. Around 2,000 people have sought refuge in these city shelters, with nearly 800 at BEHS (6), over 400 at Primary (1), 250 at Primary (2), and 595 at Pawtawmu Pagoda. 

In surrounding villages, about 3,000 people have been affected, including around 450 in Zeephyu Bin. Over 20 villages, including Doe Thaung and Pyathaung, have been impacted by severe flooding.

Many of those affected are grassroots people, with some living in squatter areas now completely submerged. Rescue operations were intense on August 28, but with many people now in shelters, efforts have shifted to providing food, water, and health care. There are concerns about potential health issues like diarrhea due to unclean water.

The public is encouraged to donate to help those in need. Flooding in Taungoo and nearby villages had also occurred earlier on August 1 due to the rising Sittaung River.