Kantarawaddy Times
In Karenni State’s Somo Phay Soe Lay (Shandaw) Township, also known as Shan Daw Township, three villages have been flooded, with most of the local homes submerged, according to reports from residents.
The flooding has affected the majority of homes in the villages of Pon Chaung, Su Felo, and Nawpalu within Somo Phay Soe Lay Township, a local youth told Kantarawaddy Times.
“There hasn’t been any flooding in the town itself yet. However, the villages near Pon Chaung have been hit. It’s not the entire village, but for now, the families whose homes are submerged are staying in drier parts of the area,” he explained.
Residents whose homes have been submerged have relocated to higher-ground shelters, halls, and neighboring villages, where the floodwaters have not yet reached.
Following continuous heavy rains over the past week, the flooding worsened, and the homes were submerged on September 12.
“As of now, we don’t know the extent of the damage. Once the water recedes, we’ll know more. Some homes are still underwater, and many were unable to move their belongings in time. Some people have lost everything,” the local youth added.
Due to the ongoing flooding, the full extent of the damage to homes and other property remains unclear.
A 70-year-old man expressed that this is the worst flooding he has ever experienced.
Additionally, the rising waters of Pon Chaung have forced nearby residents and IDPs (internally displaced persons) to evacuate to other locations, leading to urgent needs for assistance.
Among the flooded villages, Pon Chaung has 50 households, Su Phe Law as 168 households, and Nawpalu has 49 households.
