Sources close to the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in the Tanintharyi Region capital Dawei Township told DVB that the Myanmar military has reinforced its positions in Dawei, Launglon and Thayetchaung townships after flood waters receded fully on Friday.
A PDF member under National Unity Government (NUG) command in Dawei told DVB on the condition of anonymity that at least 300 regime troops have been deployed in Launglon and Thayetchaung ahead of an expected regime counteroffensive planned to begin at the end of the rainy season this month.
Regime media reported that authorities have been clearing roads and reopened 55 of 56 schools in Dawei District on Oct. 1—after they had been closed since Sept. 24 due to flooding and landslides. No casualties were reported in Dawei.
A Launglon resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that heavy machinery is needed to clear roads covered by 4-5 feet of debris caused by the landslides.
Rescue teams in Tanintharyi have called on both regime and resistance forces to halt all fighting to allow them to reach over 22,000 residents in urgent need of food and drinking water in Yebyu, Thayetchaung and Dawei.
Launglon, Yebyu and Thayetchaung are located about 12–20 miles (19–32 km) north and south of Dawei. Thayetchaung has been contested between regime and resistance forces since late 2024.
The NUG reported on Sept. 30 that floods and landslides had killed 26 people and damaged or destroyed 263 homes and 12 bridges. Thirty-two bodies have been recovered by rescue workers in Dawei, Launglon and Thayetchaung since flooding began on Sept. 24.
The regime’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported on Oct. 6 that heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, and hail are forecast as thunderclouds form over Myanmar’s southeastern Tanintharyi Region and northernmost Kachin State.
