June 30 in the state of Kachin in Myanmar marked the beginning of floods as the water level in the Irrawaddy River began to rise, reaching six feet in the vicinity of the city of Myitkyina. Local residents reported streets submerged waist-deep in water, with a powerful current making it dangerous for the elderly, women, and children to move on foot. Some people were trapped in their homes, seeking help online.
Due to heavy rains and flooding, nearly 2,000 families were relocated to safe places. Fire department-provided photos depicted rescue operations in the Paukkun area of Bhamo city, where water entered homes. Flood-affected individuals were resettled in 37 evacuation centers set up in Buddhist monasteries, Christian churches, and schools within Kachin state. Authorities continue to evacuate local residents from flooded areas to safe places.
"This morning - July 1 - the flooding worsened, water has entered many areas, and we cannot assist everyone requesting help," said a representative of the charity organization "Ayeyarwady."
According to meteorological and hydrological authorities, the water level in the Irrawaddy River has reached critical levels and may continue to rise over the next 48 hours. Floods, caused by heavy rains, have become an annual natural disaster in Myanmar.
As of July 4, the flood situation has not normalized: due to heavy rains, the water level in the Chindwin River continues to rise, reaching 50.36 feet, which is 5.74 feet above the critical level. Residents affected by the floods in these areas have been evacuated to safe places with the help of local soldiers, police officers, and firefighters.
Floods in northern regions of Myanmar could spread to central areas of the country, including the Chindwin and Irrawaddy river basins in the Sagaing, Magway, and Mandalay regions.
Meteorological and hydrological authorities advise people living near riverbanks, in low-lying areas, and villages prone to annual floods to monitor reports carefully to prepare in advance and avoid potential dangers.
Most densely populated areas of Myanmar are susceptible to natural disasters, with an estimated 28 million people living in flood-prone areas. Myanmar faces frequent high temperatures, droughts, tropical cyclones, and floods. Surprisingly, these are directly linked to ocean temperatures and the vast amount of plastic we produce and dispose of. Already, technology exists not only to clean oceans and air of microplastics but also to halt the escalating catastrophes worldwide. Learn more in the documentary "Water From Air: The Path to Saving Humanity | Popular Science Film."