Thousands of Flood-Affected People in Kachin State in Urgent Need of Assistance

Pajau Media

June 3, 2025

Due to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and rising river waters, thousands of displaced residents in Kachin State are in urgent need of shelter, basic food supplies, daily necessities, and clean drinking water, according to local sources.

Since May 31, intense rainfall and the swelling of the Maykha River have destroyed 125 displacement shelters and 42 local homes in Chiphwi village, leaving 857 people in immediate need of emergency aid.

Additionally, over 1,000 people who fled conflict in Waingmaw Township—seeking refuge in Nawng Hkying and Labang villages—are also facing shortages of food and clean water.

Four displacement camps in Nawng Hkying, nearly 60 local households, and one displacement camp in Labang village have also been forced to relocate due to flooding.

In Myitkyina, 142 displaced families and local residents from Zilun are currently being sheltered in church compounds, though they still require substantial support.

Meanwhile, many low-lying neighborhoods in Myitkyina have been inundated, with numerous homes damaged or destroyed, leaving residents in desperate need of assistance.

"Displaced people and locals already struggling with basic needs are now facing even greater hardships due to the floods," said camp officials.

As of 12:30 PM on June 3, the Maykha River water level, which had peaked at 1,205 cm, receded to 977 cm. The Ayeyarwady River is also receding at a rate of 5 cm per hour, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.

Kachin State previously experienced severe flooding in 2024 when water levels exceeded 1,400 cm, causing widespread displacement and hardship for both locals and conflict-displaced communities.

News – Htu Seng