Farmers in northern Shan State are facing an unprecedented crisis as unseasonal, continuous heavy rainfall has triggered devastating floods, destroying much of the annual rice harvest and threatening long-term livelihoods. The disaster adds to ongoing instability affecting communities across Kutkai, Namtu, Muse, and Hsenwi townships.

In early November, the deluge—caused by mountain runoff—struck at the height of the rice harvest. A local woman from Namphakka village, near the Nam Mor stream, described the devastation:

“We had already harvested some rice and left the sheaves piled in the fields. The rain fell all night. By morning, the harvested rice was completely washed away by the flash flood,” she said.

The destruction extends beyond immediate food loss. Along the Nam Mor stream, strong runoff caused severe riverbank erosion, destroying valuable farmland.

“Some plots of land were simply washed away. The banks collapsed. Those farmers don’t even know how they will be able to plant rice again next year,” the resident added.

For the remaining crops, the outlook is bleak. Unharvested rice has been submerged in mud, the grains shattered, and many fields are now inaccessible, ensuring poor yields across the region. Damage has also been reported in neighboring Khamaw Pa and Pang Kai villages, as well as hundreds of acres of rice and corn fields in Muse and Hsenwi townships.

The torrential rains have also disrupted critical infrastructure, raising fears that humanitarian aid may be unable to reach affected areas.

According to the TNLA Information Department, heavy rain in Namtu Township caused streams to overflow, submerging four houses. The Nam Yi bridge connecting Namtu and Mong Baw is underwater, and the main Namtu–Mantong road has been blocked by a landslide.

The collapse of key road links has isolated several communities, turning a natural disaster into a potential humanitarian emergency. Immediate assistance and resources are urgently needed to prevent famine and help farmers recover ahead of the next planting season.