14 July 2026 — Two Khumi Chin men from Paletwa township drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in Ponnagyun township, Rakhine State, following days of heavy rainfall.
Initial reports from local sources identified the victims as Mr. Aung Paing, aged 30, and Mr. Maung Maung Than. They were returning from farmland on 11 July when they attempted to cross San Ma Tee Stream and were swept away by strong flood currents.
Their bodies were recovered on 13 July near Kyar Nyo Kan village, more than one mile from their home village, and were buried later the same day.
Heavy rainfall between 4 and 12 July caused rivers and streams across Arakan State to overflow, resulting in widespread flooding.
Local sources said the flooding has caused deaths and left several people missing in Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw townships. In Kyauktaw township, a Grade 12 student who went missing while collecting firewood on 8 July remains unaccounted for. – Reporting by Ben
