How Early Warnings and Rescue Boats Are Saving Lives in Myanmar
Rescue boats stand ready as communities across South-East Myanmar brace for the upcoming floods.
Flood Challenges in South-East Myanmar
For Daw Myint Khaing, an engaged community member, the flood season represents a critical race against time. Each year, floodwaters sweep through fields and sometimes invade homes. She shares,
“The hardest moments are when we see vulnerable people trying to get to safety. We do everything we can to help, but sometimes the water rises faster than we can move.”
The monsoon season regularly brings devastation to the Kayin, Mon, and Bago regions, displacing thousands and destroying homes and livelihoods. In 2025 alone, over 90,000 people were impacted across South-East Myanmar.
Past Struggles and Preparing for Floods
Reflecting on earlier times, Myint Khaing recalls the lack of adequate resources:
“In the past, we didn’t have proper tools. We lost our crops, our livestock, and some even lost their lives and loved ones.”
When the rivers run calm, communities take advantage of the reprieve to enhance their knowledge and build resilience before the next flood season arrives.
The Evolution of Rescue Efforts
Previously, small wooden boats were the only available means to escape flooding, but they proved too slow and fragile for quick evacuations. Vulnerable groups, including elderly people, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children, faced heightened risks.
Photo: IOM’s partner, 2025 Kayin Region, Myanmar
Today, better tools and rescue boats are actively helping to save lives and protect these communities.
Author's summary: Effective flood preparedness and improved rescue operations are crucial in safeguarding vulnerable communities and saving lives in Myanmar's flood-prone regions.