Residents of Kani and Khin-U townships in Sagaing Region have been forced to flee to safety, due to combat operations conducted by the Military Council, coinciding with the ongoing torrential rains for two consecutive days, triggered by a storm.

"It rained heavily, causing the river to overflow and flood homes. Amidst the downpour, the Military Council's operations exacerbated the plight of those escaping the conflict. Many sought refuge in the surrounding forests, as well as in monasteries and schools from nearby villages”, a local told Than Lwin Times. On May 13th and 14th, Kani experienced heavy rainfall as Cyclone Mocha made landfall near Sittwe Township in Rakhine State over the weekend

Amidst the distress and anxiety caused by Cyclone Mocha, the Military Council initiated an operation targeting villages located on the western side of the Chindwin River in the lower Kani region. As a result, over 16,000 individuals, including more than 13000 residents from 5 village groups in Kani and over 3000 residents from Khin-U Township, were compelled to flee the conflict during the severe weather conditions.

In addition, at around 6:00 AM on May 14th, the Military Council troops accompanied by their subordinate Pyu-Saw-Htee militia members, infiltrated several villages in Khin-U Township within the Shwebo District. They discharged warning shots, intimidated the residents, and forcibly looted food from the village homes.

The administrative authorities of the Military Council in the Sagaing Region did not issue storm warnings nor make necessary arrangements for pre-evacuation of the local population, according to locals.

According to a resident of Kani, in anticipation of floods, strong winds, and other potential aftermaths of the storm, the local Defense Forces have made preparations to assist and relocate the elderly when necessary. Additionally, the community has demonstrated solidarity by supporting one another during challenging times.

As a result of the Military Council's firing of small arms and artillery at Innpat village,

a 4-year-old boy sustained injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment. Additionally, the Khin-U True News Information Facebook page reported that approximately 3000 local residents have been displaced as a consequence of the operations carried out by the Military Council.