Deadly landslide hits Phakant Township, Kachin State, Myanmar

Six people have been killed Friday, June 22, 2018, after heavy monsoon rains caused floods and landslides in Phakant Township of Kachin State, Myanmar.

According to government sources, the landslides occurred near Pantin Bridge, Maw-wan Ward, beside No. 1 Main road. The landslides hit the staff quarters of the Township Development Affairs Committee on the circular road beside the road to MyoU Pagoda, killing six people.

Police officers, local authorities and social organizations rushed to the scenes and cleared the debris, the government said.

The downpours were compounded by flash flooding caused by burgeoning Uru Creek, which also inundated wards in Phakant.

The landslide also hit three other villages – Mawgalon, Sutaung and Phapyin.

Record-breaking monsoon rains affecting Myanmar's Mon State since June 16, 2018, triggered landslides and worst flooding parts of the Mon State have seen in more than 40 years. 

Floods and landslides hit Mawlamyine before dawn, submerging homes and roads in what locals are describing as worst floods to hit the town in over 40 years.

Most areas in Mawlamyine are flooded, such as Thiri Mingalar, Thiri Myaing, Kyauk Tan, Zayar Thiri and Thaya Aye.

"Normally, some quarters of the town would flood when the tide rises in the Thanlwin River, but this time was not only about tide but also about heavy rain, the drains in the town are overflowing," one resident said.

More than 22 people have been killed or are missing across the country since 2018 Southwest Monsoon arrived more than two weeks ago.

Featured image credit: Myanmar Red Cross Society