14 emergency relief centres are providing assistance to over 5,900 victims of flooding in Hpa-An, Karen State and Bilin Township in neighbouring Mon State.

Prolonged heavy rainfall led to flooding and raised water levels in the Salween River which runs past Hpa-An and the Bilin River which flows past Bilin.

On 3 August rising water levels in the Salween River and heavy prolonged rain started causing flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas of Hpa-An Township.

On 4 August, five emergency relief centres were opened in Hpa-An Township. Currently, 1,566 people who have fled flooded areas are sheltering there, according to a local social assistance association.

A relief worker helping in Hpa-An said: “Currently, there are five emergency relief centers. It is still raining though not very much. However, the water has not receded yet. So, we will continue observing the situation.”

At 7:00 p.m. on 6 August, the water level of the Salween River in Hpa-An was two feet three and a half inches above the critical water level and it was continuing to rain, according to Hpa-An residents.

On 2 August prolonged rainfall and rising water levels in the Bilin River started causing floods in the low-lying areas of Bilin Township and villages along the Bilin River. Flooding from the river reportedly reached the Yangon to Mawlamyine highway.

In response to the flooding, nine emergency relief centres were set up in Bilin Township on 2 August. Currently, 3,400 people are sheltering in the centres, according to a local social assistance association. Donors are providing them with food, water, and warm clothing.

On 6 August water levels in the Bilin River started dropping and it was raining less, according to locals. They said that the Yangon to Mawlamyine highway is no longer flooded and that small cars and motorcycles could now use the road.