Mapping flood-affected villages in Tanintharyi Region
Heavy rain from 26 September caused severe flooding and landslides in Launglon, Thayetchaung and Dawei townships, with casualties and missing people reported. MIMU has mapped flood-affected villages, villages also hit by landslides, and probable affected wards in Dawei and Thayetchaung towns, with roads, the railway and health facilities. A first map was released on 28 September. An updated version on 30 September adds newly reported villages.
The maps are compiled from social media reports and have not been validated in the field. Ground feedback is welcome at [email protected].
Download the latest map (A1).
All flood-related resources.
New research: How buildings failed in the March 2025 earthquake
A new open-access study examines why buildings in Mandalay and Sagaing failed during the March 2025 earthquake, combining field inspections with structural modelling of six damaged structures: four reinforced concrete buildings, a masonry building and a temple. It identifies three main failure types: buildings overturning, failure where beams and columns meet, and complete collapse. The main causes were inadequate seismic detailing, insufficient reinforcement at joints, poor construction quality and non-compliance with the building code. Older unreinforced masonry structures such as temples were the most vulnerable. The study recommends practical measures, including proper seismic detailing, stronger joint reinforcement, retrofitting and reinforced masonry. These are relevant to anyone involved in reconstruction, shelter or infrastructure.
Published in The Scientific World Journal (open access).
New research: Climate, floods and waterborne disease in Myanmar
An open-access study examines waterborne diseases such as cholera and acute watery diarrhoea in Myanmar from 2021 to 2025. It combines health data with climate variables and a review of water and health policies. Cases peaked in the rainy season, and coastal and delta areas such as Rakhine and Ayeyarwady saw the most cholera cases. Fatality rates were higher in conflict-affected areas with weak infrastructure. Flooding appeared linked to outbreaks, but temperature and rainfall alone did not explain the patterns. The authors conclude that access to clean water and sanitation matters more than climate events on their own. They call for better coordination between the water and health sectors, stronger data sharing, wider local WASH services and climate-resilient planning.
Published in Water Research X (open access).
Upcoming International Days and Weeks
- International Day of Non-Violence (2 Oct)
- World Space Week (4-10 Oct)
- World Habitat Day (5 Oct)
- World Teachers’ Day [UNESCO] (5 Oct)
- World Cotton Day (7 Oct)