Flood struck Myanmar on Tuesday after server days of heavy rains displacing around 14,000 people in Bago City.
Residents found themselves wading through waist-deep waters or using boats and rubber tires to navigate the streets.
Floodwaters lapped at closed shops and houses, leaving many in dire circumstances.
Authorities reported that on Sunday, Bago region, located northeast of the commercial hub Yangon, experienced a record-breaking 200mm (almost eight inches) of rain in just 24 hours. The heavy rain persisted through Monday night, taking residents by surprise.
According to state broadcaster MRTV, the flooding led to the displacement of 14,000 people across Bago region.
Nearly 5,600 individuals sought refuge in temporary relief centers established by the local government, as reported by the state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar.
The general hospital in Bago experienced flooding on its lower floors, and three of Myanmar’s four telecom providers were non-operational in the area due to the adverse conditions.
The flooding issue in Myanmar began in July and has affected nine states and regions, including Rakhine, Kachin, Karen, Mon, and Chin.
Notably, Myanmar is currently facing a violent civil conflict between the junta, which seized power from the government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, and armed groups opposed to the coup.
