By Than Lyan / MPA (Photo News)

In Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region, Thapyaypin Village was entirely submerged following heavy rainfall, causing a massive overflow of creeks, water rushing down from the mountains, and landslides. Despite the floodwaters beginning to recede on September 12, 2024, nearly the entire village remains buried under mud.

Thapyaypin Village, home to over 200 households, experienced significant casualties due to the flooding. Nonetheless, Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the military junta, claimed that only eight people had died.

However, local humanitarian groups have reported that over 100 people are still missing, and bodies buried beneath the mud have yet to be recovered according to ground data. 

“There are still many bodies left to be found. Almost the entire village was washed away, and many villagers are still missing. The villagers are saying this is the worst disaster they’ve faced since Cyclone Nargis,” said a volunteer from a relief organization assisting in Thapyaypin.

As of now, relief workers have recovered up to 17 bodies. 

Thapyaypin Village is located near the Moehti Moemi gold mining site, and there have been criticisms suggesting that excessive deforestation due to mining activities has worsened the impact of the flooding.