RELIEF efforts have begun in the Kachin State capital, Myiktyina,
after flood waters from the Ayeyarwaddy River surged through the
town early last week.
Reports from the town said the flood, which peaked on July 19
and was the second highest in the city in nearly 40 years, had
inundated 20 of its city’s 26 wards.
The relief efforts involve the Myanmar Red Cross, members of
the Myanmar Police Force, fire brigade personnel, and the Myanmar
Maternal and Child Welfare Association.
A Myitkyina resident told Myanmar Times that the flood had left
the Balaminhtin Bridge under water for several hours.
She said the city’s main market had been flooded, resulting
in prices of staple foods more than doubling. Many shops at the
market remained closed on July 20 even though the flood waters
had receded.
