Heavy rain from a low-pressure system has caused flooding and landslides in more than 60 villages in the Tanintharyi region of southern Myanmar. At least 13 people have been reported dead and over 30 missing. Several roads and bridges have also been damaged, making rescue efforts difficult.
Continuous heavy rainfall has led to floods and landslides in the Tanintharyi region, located in southernmost Myanmar, especially in the townships of Dawei, Launglon, and Thayetchaung since 24 September. More than 60 villages have been affected, with at least 13 deaths reported and over 30 people missing, according to the Tanintharyi National Federation (TNF).
Reports indicate that of the confirmed deaths, 10 were in Launglon township, 2 in Dawei, and 1 in Thayetchaung. Local rescue teams have reported different figures, stating they have recovered at least 8 bodies and estimate 20 to 30 people remain missing, as many areas remain largely inaccessible.
The incident occurred after southern Myanmar experienced heavy rainfall starting the night of 25 September due to weather systems affecting nearby areas, including Thailand. The intense rain caused rapid water level rises and triggered landslides in multiple locations within Launglon township.
Among the deceased are three teenagers who were at a temple on Sunday when a landslide swept through, carrying away buildings in the village. Reports indicate about 18 structures were buried by the landslide, while some residents and villages remain at risk amid ongoing rainfall.
Floods and landslides have damaged more than 50 houses and approximately 8 bridges, including the bridge at Kanyinjong village on Union Highway 8, a crucial route linking Dawei and Myeik. This has disrupted road transport between affected areas, cutting off some sections.
The situation has also blocked several village connecting roads with landslides, preventing rescue and relief teams from reaching certain disaster zones. Some villages are accessible only on foot, with rescue teams reporting that hundreds of people have been evacuated to shelters at various temples.
Myanmar faces additional challenges in rescue and relief efforts due to ongoing internal armed conflicts in the affected regions, making damage assessment and fatality counts difficult. Rescue personnel also report shortages of resources needed to assist disaster victims amid the scale of the catastrophe.
Meanwhile, rain continues in the Tanintharyi region, with risks of further flash floods and landslides. Myanmar's meteorological and hydrological agencies report a strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and southern Bay of Bengal, forecasting heavy rainfall across several parts of the country from 27 to 30 September. Residents near mountains and rivers are advised to be alert for flash floods and landslides.
Additionally, a low-pressure area near the Andaman Sea may move northward and northwestward within 24 hours and could strengthen into a depression before moving into the northern Andaman Sea and the Irrawaddy River delta region.
Myanmar has a population of about 51 million and is among the countries highly vulnerable to climate change. Ongoing internal conflicts and reductions in humanitarian aid have further complicated disaster response efforts.
This event coincides with Bangkok, Thailand, experiencing nearly 48 hours of continuous heavy rain over the weekend, leading to flooding of homes, shops, and roads in many areas. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has declared a flood disaster situation.