Thousands of people remain homeless in Mandalay as water levels from flooding have not dropped sharply following torrential downpours over the past few days, a relief worker said.A young boy and man at a home in Mandalay with flood waters entering the residence. (Photo: Irrawaddy)
“The water level is around two meters in some places. It is even higher in other places,” said the relief worker, adding that the rain did not stop until Sunday, and local relief workers are using boats to help the victims.
At least 20,000 people have suffered in the heaviest rainfall the country's second largest city has seen in the past six decades.
While local humanitarian groups have distributed at least 40,000 packets of meals to victims, the junta's proxy political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), has handed out T-shirts bearing the party logo, said a local resident.
After the heavy rain, at least two dams in the city had to be opened, causing flooding in the lower areas of the city. Streams and rivers were also inundated by flash flooding.
Several areas in townships such as New Pyigyitagon, Maha Aungmyay and the vicinity around 62nd Street are still under water, said local residents.
At least 10 people, including seven children, have died in the flood waters. About 2,000 people have been hospitalized for injuries. Official reports dismissed fears that a major storm was approaching, saying the storm had already entered into neighboring Bangladesh.
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