Rising water levels and flooding across Burma devastated communities throughout September. Beginning on the 10th, rising water levels significantly impacted people in urban and rural areas, forcing thousands to flee only with what they could carry. Typhoon Yagi has affected target areas of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), including Mon State, Karen State and the Tanintharyi region.

Over 16,000 people in Karen State were displaced last month, especially in townships such as Hpa-an, Hlaingbwe, and Myawaddy, as floodwaters reached critical levels. In Tanintharyi, water levels rose to over 8 meters, affecting areas around the township and forcing over 300 people to evacuate. The ongoing weather conditions and high internal displacement levels have worsened the situation for thousands across these regions.

In Mon State, further challenges have arisen in areas such as Bilin, Kyaik Hto, and territories under the administration of the Karen National Union (KNU) and the local defense groups. Heavy rains and subsequent flooding forced approximately 600 households to relocate to higher ground for safety. The severe weather conditions have also displaced residents across multiple villages in these areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, mainly where local governance and the KNU leaders oversee the situation. Between 12 and 16 September, approximately 48 villages along both sides of the Sittaung River in Kyaik Hto, Bilin, and Thaton townships were flooded. Landslides impacted nearly 5,000 households, affecting close to 50,000 people.

Since mid-August 2024, over 4,000 residents from around ten villages in Anan Kwin, Kyarinnsatekyi Township, Karen State, have fled their homes due to ongoing clashes, seeking refuge in nearby forests, gardens, and towns. According to one of the displaced individuals, about 500 displaced residents sheltering at the foot of a mountain desperately need assistance:

“We are struggling with the weather as it’s the rainy season. It’s difficult to move around, and we fear the junta’s airstrikes when we go out to buy food,” said one of the displaced women.

A group assisting with the relief efforts reported that the displaced villagers face severe challenges, including restricted access to food, flooded shelters due to rain, and a lack of medicine. No aid organizations have been able to reach them, and they remain isolated in the forest.

“Anyone trying to help us must walk a long distance, but they are afraid to come. When someone gets sick, we have to walk about three miles to reach a doctor,” explained another displaced woman.

According to HURFOM’s investigation, phone and internet connections have been cut off in several villages around Anan Kwin since the clashes started, including Ta Nyin, Phar Yar, Pan Aung, Pu Taw, Yat Paw, Katit, and Khun Nawa.

“Sometimes, the phone line just cuts off while we’re talking. Many displaced people can’t even contact their family members,” said a local woman.

In Karen State, flooding from the Gyaing and Upper Salween rivers has severely affected communities in KNU Brigade 6’s northern and eastern regions, submerging three IDP camps. Similarly, in the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and KNU Brigade 4 areas in Mon State and Tanintharyi North Region, four IDP communities and eight villages remain flooded.

United Nations agencies like the World Food Program and their funded partners are assisting cluster teams in more accessible areas such as Bilin, Kyaik Hto, and Hpa-An. However, remote IDP sites in ERO-controlled territories still rely heavily on local support and donations. The junta’s restrictions on internet access have further complicated aid efforts.

Local organizations and service providers are gathering donations of clothes, blankets, and kitchen supplies for flood victims in Ei Htu Hta, Yae-Lae, and Phalan IDP camps.

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