Myanmar: 5 people died in the heaviest rain after 50 years

At least 5 people died and many homes were damaged after the heaviest rain in 50 years in Myanmar. The rain flooded Myanmar's old capital Yangon during the weekends.

Continuous heavy rain during 24 hours from 4 am to 5 am has flooded 16 areas of Yangon. Some shopping centers in the city were forced to close. Traffic in the city was congested because many cars were stalled on flooded roads.

Poor drainage system plus heavy rain all day led to this situation.The New Light of Myanmar newspaper said water flooding caused electric circuits to burn and caused at least four people to suffocate. On Yangon street, many fallen trees and collapsed walls create a sprawling landscape.

According to the Myanmar Meteorological and Hydrological Agency, rainfall has reached 344 mm in the Kaba Aye area - the highest level in 39 years in this region; and Mingalardon suburban rainfall was 283 mm - the highest level in the past 60 years in the region.

Yangon lowland residents in the flood. (Photo: AFP)

TRAN DUC THANH