Four civilians were injured and residents from five villages have been forced to flee their homes due to artillery shelling by military junta in Taungoo Township, Bago Region, where several villages were recently affected by severe flooding, according to rescue workers and locals.
Around 8am on 7 November, artillery shells struck Kayin Ni Kone, Kan Ni, Aing Zauk, Thet Kei Kyin and Kun Thee Pin villages, injuring four residents with shrapnel. Rescue workers were helping evacuate displaced villagers, according to a social worker.
“Shells fired from the Aing Zauk area hit Kayin Ni Kone and Kan Ni. People fled to nearest places. So far, we know four adults were hit. One has multiple injuries but they’re not severe. We can’t reach the shelling site directly – we have to wait at the assembly points and help people as they arrive,” said the youth rescue worker.
Locals estimate that the number of displaced villages could exceed five, as the affected villages form a contiguous line of settlements.
A local resident, who declined to be named, explained that some of these villages, already devastated by Typhoon Yagi in September, are now facing renewed flooding from recent heavy rains, compounded by the military violence.
“We could even feel the impact of the shelling because it is very close to us. With the water rising and the shelling, the situation is really distressing. We have to be ready to run as the water slowly rises. Some people from Kan Ni have already fled to Taungoo.”
Sources in Taungoo report that since the morning of 6 November, the military council has restricted movement in and out of some affected villages, making it difficult for residents to evacuate.
Rescue groups report that the displaced people include children, and there is an urgent need for food supplies for those who have fled.
Sent by KIC.