Thousands Flee Shan State Because of Inundations
Flooding Disrupts Life in Myanmar's Shan State
Heavy monsoon rains in late July and early August 2025 have caused widespread flooding in the Shan State of Myanmar, affecting the townships of Yatsauk, Aungban, and Kalaw. The floods have led to significant damage to homes and infrastructure, displacement of thousands, and several casualties.
In Yatsauk Township, the Zawgyi stream overflowed due to heavy rainfall on July 28, flooding Zawgyi and Utta wards. Firefighters deployed rescue teams using fire trucks and boats to evacuate 184 people from 42 households to a nearby sports hall. The flooding affected more than 184 individuals from 42 households.
Aungban Township was also hit hard by the floods, with severe rain causing floods in Wards 3 and 4. Firefighters evacuated 41 people from 18 homes to a local monastery. The flooding in this township affected more than 41 individuals from 18 homes.
In Kalaw Township, flash floods followed intense rainfall and runoff, with the Kalaw stream overflowing and inundating Wards 2, 3, and 4. Rescue operations moved 1,976 people from 333 homes to the residences of relatives and safer areas. However, specific details about casualties or damage in Kalaw Township are not provided.
The floods have exacerbated humanitarian crises in the affected areas, with shortages of food, safe drinking water, and medical supplies reported. Increased risks of waterborne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and diarrhoea have been reported by health organizations. The ongoing conflicts in the region hinder relief efforts and strain local health systems. Relief agencies emphasize the urgent need for unimpeded access to affected communities to provide aid.
Myanmar's Fire Services Department reported that more than 2,000 people were evacuated due to the widespread flooding across the townships of Shan State-Yatsauk, Aungban, and Kalaw. The flooding in Inle Lake near Kalaw township has prompted flood alerts, threatening both residents and tourism.
Despite these challenges, there are no reports of deaths in heavy rain in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, no reports of Myanmar workers being beaten in Thailand due to mistaken identity, and no reports of Chinese EV makers vying for Indonesia or Thailand sales, or Japanese rivals fearing market share loss in this context.
The flooding in Shan State's townships has caused extensive displacement, casualties, property damage, and heightened health risks, substantially disrupting local livelihoods and infrastructure in mid-2025.
- The businesses in the affected townships of Shan State, Myanmar, have likely experienced disruptions due to the extensive flooding and subsequent evacuations.
- As the flooding in Shan State continues, there has been no reported impact on sports events or competitions in the region or globally.
