Prolonged Power Outage in Waimaw and Myitkyina Causes Growing Hardship for Residents

Pajau Media

April 21, 2026

Following a continued electricity outage in Myitkyina and Waimaw townships of Kachin State, residents are increasingly facing difficulties in their daily lives, according to local sources.

“A lot of things have become very difficult now that there is no electricity, charging phones and power banks, using the internet, pumping water, charging battery-powered motorcycles, and even cooking rice. Some people pay by the hour at shops to charge devices, while others ask for free charging. But as time goes on, it is becoming more and more difficult,” said a local woman.

It is reported that at Buga Electricity Supply facilities, arrangements have been made for battery charging services. Some residents are paying around 5,000 kyats per motorcycle battery charge and 1,000 kyats per phone or power bank charge.

However, only a limited number of devices can be charged per day, creating further difficulties for the public.

“For pumping water, people have to pay around 30,000 kyats per hour. Some service providers even bring generators to homes to pump water for customers. At the beginning of the blackout, the impact was not very obvious, but as days pass, it has become very clear. Even those who have generators are struggling because fuel prices are rising. Running a generator all day costs at least 50,000 to 70,000 kyats,” the woman added.

The Buga Electricity Supply Office had previously announced that electricity would be cut for up to two weeks starting April 18, due to maintenance work on the Chipwi Hydropower Plant, which is a major source of electricity supply.

As of April 21, the power outage has continued for four days, and residents are increasingly experiencing widespread difficulties due to the lack of electricity.

Residents are also criticizing the authorities for their poor handling of the situation.

News: Htu Seng

Photos crd- Social media