More than 10,000 people have been evacuated in southern Myanmar after heavy rains caused widespread flooding in Kayin and Shan states. According to Myanmar Radio and Television, a total of 10,395 people from 2,298 households were moved to 24 temporary shelters in Hpa-an township as the Thanlwin River rose over six feet above the danger level.

Evacuations were carried out on Wednesday by disaster response teams, including local authorities, firefighters, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, and community organizations. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned that water levels in Hpa-an are expected to remain dangerously high for at least another day.

Relief operations are ongoing, with the Kayin State Government and donors supplying food and essentials, while the Ministry of Health is providing medical services.

In a separate incident in Myawaddy township, 2,851 people were evacuated after the Thaungyin River rose about 12 feet above danger levels. Authorities are also managing flood response in Shan state, where 2,267 people from 461 households were evacuated from four townships: Yatsauk, Aungban, Kalaw, and Pindaya. In Pindaya, six people were reported dead and three injured.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to combat dengue fever, which has killed 15 people and affected 6,400 others in 2024. Measures include spraying insecticides, water treatment, and public awareness campaigns.

As climate-related disasters rise, Myanmar continues to grapple with both natural and health emergencies simultaneously.