Myanmar scrambles to rescue flood victims as landslide kills dozens
Myanmar troops and rescue services have scrambled to provide aid in flood-hit parts of the country after rising waters caused by the annual monsoon rains forced residents to flee by boat and a landslide killed at least 52 people.
The deluge has tested disaster response after the landslide on Friday in south-eastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding that reached the roofs of houses and treetops in nearby towns.
Hundreds of soldiers, firefighters and local rescue workers were still pulling bodies and vehicles out of the muddy wreckage of Paung township on Sunday.
“The latest death toll we have from the landslide in Mon state was 52,” Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said on Monday.
As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country’s armed forces are pitching in and have readied helicopters to deliver supplies.
“Access to affected regions is still good. Our ground forces can reach the areas so far,” Zaw Min Tun said.
