Myanmar: Nearly 10,000 people displaced by heavy floods in Kayin State

Malteser International to aid displaced population

Myanmar is often affected by floods. Photo: Valeria Turrisi

According to latest reports, nearly 10,000 people have been forced to leave their homes because of severe flooding in Kayin State's Hpa An township in the east of the country after the Thanlwin River - the second largest river in Southeast Asia after Mekong - exceeded its danger level by more than one metre due to heavy monsoon rains.

As Malteser International has already been working in the region, the relief service of the Order of Malta supports the emergency relief on the ground with 10,000 euros out of donations. The teams distribute 150 emergency kits to the families who had to be evacuated and have sought refuge in the regions's temporary relief camps. The emergency kits contain urgently needed non-food items like pans and cooking utensils, clothes, blankets and mosquito nets.

Although the flood waters had been receding over recent days, the rains reportedly continue and there is a possibilty that water levels may increase again.

Malteser International has been active in Myanmar already since 2001 and is providing assistance to the Myanmar population in the fields of health, nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) as well as disaster risk reduction.