Heavy rains triggered a landslide that hit dozens of houses in the villages of Mawchi Taung Paw and Lokhalo. The victims were 10 men and seven women, but the toll is still provisional. Food, shelter, clothing are becoming scarce. Mawchi was once an important mining center.

Yangon (AsiaNews / Agencies) - 17 died in a landslide triggered by torrential rains in eastern Kayah State, in Myanmar, which has also caused the evacuation of dozens of families from the areas most affected. According to media reports, the mudslide hit a village of the town of Hpa-Saung yesterday afternoon, in a remote area where communications are difficult. This is why the death toll is provisional and the number of victims seems destined, in all probability, to rise in the coming hours.

The state newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar reports that the victims were 10 men and seven women. Over 360 people have been moved to temporary shelters set up in schools and a hospital in the area.

Local sources said that at least 60 houses were destroyed, scattered in a hilly area between the village of Mawchi Taung Paw and the village of Lokhalo; the ground gave way, carrying with it the houses. Experts predict more rain, which could complicate an already critical situation in the region even more.

Meanwhile food, shelter and clothing are becoming scarce. Mawchi was once an important center for the collection of tin and tungsten, so much so, it was the world’s primary source for the minerals in 1930 under British rule. In the past, activists and pro-environment groups have launched appeals for the end of mining operations, that would lead to "environmental disasters" although, so far, there are no clear links between the mines and yesterday’s landslide.

Last July Myanmar was already the scene of heavy floods - the worst in recent years, according to several experts - that have caused many deaths and affected at least 1.6 million people across the country. Moreover, the annual monsoon rains are essential in agriculture, but can also (in some cases) lead to death due to landslides, mudslides, floods

The Catholic Church and the Burmese national Caritas (KMSS) are at the forefront of relief efforts for flood victims, distributing drinking water, food, basic necessities, tools and temporary housing for more than 120 thousand people.

• MYANMAR
• floods
• landslides
• mining
• victims