In a reckless and irresponsible act, the 422nd Light Infantry Battalion of the junta, stationed in Mongpai (Mobye) in southern Shan State, opened the Mongpai Dam, causing severe flooding that has affected over 1000 residents, locals said.

A 30-year-old local man reported to SHAN that the abrupt release of water from the dam inundated and destroyed over 1000 acres of rice fields along the Belu Riverbank, impacting more than 1000 residents.

“When the junta suddenly released a large amount of water from the dam, many paddy fields were flooded and destroyed. Although residential areas have not been seriously affected yet, there is a possibility that the situation could become alarming within the next two days,” he said.

Due to the sudden rise in water levels, villages such as Mobyeinn, Hparlaiinn, Hpaungtaw, and Hpayarhpyu are facing a high risk of flooding. The Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) has stated that the junta’s actions were deliberate, aimed at causing hardships for local farmers and residents.

Currently, some low-lying areas of Mongpai, including the villages of Hpayarhpyu, Hpayani, and Hpaungtaw, as well as houses along the Belu Riverbank, are affected by floods.

“The villages of Hpayarhpyu, Hpayani, and Hpaungtaw, along with farmlands, have been flooded. Some houses along the Belu Riverbank are also flooded. As a result, more than 1000 people have been displaced,” an official of the Mongpai War-Displaced Committee said.

Furthermore, the IEC has warned residents of Loikaw and nearby villages and wards to remain vigilant about the risk of flooding, as water levels may continue to rise for three days after July 25.