By Kantarawaddy Time
Loikaw city in Karenni State has been facing severe flooding since September 14th, resulting in multiple deaths, according to local residents.
Two men from the Nam Kong ward passed away during the third week of September, a Loikaw resident reported. While the exact identities and ages of the deceased are not known, the Fire Department retrieved their bodies.
“It is unclear if they were electrocuted or not, but we suspect they might have been thieves,” said the resident.
Access to several neighborhoods, including Daw Noe Kue and Nam Kong is restricted due to flooding. Currently, the city’s residents rely on the Fire Department’s boats to navigate the inundated areas.
Furthermore, a man residing in a nearby IDP camp went missing while collecting sesame seeds. His abandoned car was found 10 days later, leading residents to believe he perished.
“He went to harvest sesame near Kya Kuu Cave, in the east of Loikaw. On his way back, floodwaters were rising, and locals in that area tried to stop him from returning, but he insisted. It’s been about 10 days since the search began, and we only found his car. So, we assume he has passed away,” said a displaced person.
The water levels in Loikaw are continuing to rise. Several areas with strong currents and bridges remain inaccessible. Approximately 80% of the city is submerged, and Loikaw residents anticipate that it will take months for the water to recede.
