When the Waters Break: Giving Birth Safely in the Flood

In July 2024, heavy rains caused the Thaungyin (Moei) River in eastern Myanmar to break its banks and flood surrounding towns and villages. When floodwaters threatened a community health facility operated by a Community Partners International (CPI) partner organization, the health care team mobilized to ensure pregnant women could give birth safely.

The Flood Comes

Despite hearing that the river had broken its banks, the health facility lead, Thiri*, was not overly concerned. “We heard reports of flooding in the area,” she confirms. “But we had already faced two floods earlier in the year and the water never reached our location because it’s on high ground.”

However, the floodwaters were soon lapping at the health facility’s door. “Five pregnant women were about to deliver,” explains Thiri. “As the floodwaters entered, we quickly moved the women and medical supplies. Although the flood didn’t last long, almost everything was submerged.”

The speed and force of the flood were frightening. “There was no time to gather belongings,” Thiri confirms. “The floodwaters burst into the building, smashing through windows and doors. Many things, including medicines and equipment, were damaged.”

Htet*, 25, an expectant mother, was at the health facility when the flood hit. “I was about to give birth to my second child, so I arrived at the health facility two days in advance,” she reveals. “As the floodwaters poured into the building, I became increasingly worried. The situation was chaotic. Some medical equipment, supplies, and my clothes and belongings were swept away. I had severe stomach pain and no clothes to change into. Despite the chaos, the staff moved us to safety, and thankfully, we were all okay.”

Continuing Care

The health facility provides a lifeline for nearby villages, offering a range of primary health care services free of charge to 60 or 70 patients daily. The medics and emergency obstetric care workers knew they must continue providing services despite the flood.

“Despite our exhaustion, we reopened later that day in a safer location,” recalls Thiri. “We moved patients and medical supplies to a nearby health center. We opened outpatient services as soon as we were set up and provided patients’ medications as best we could. Altogether, we received about 30-40 patients during this period.”

The team converted the space into a makeshift facility. “The building is open plan, without separate rooms,” explains Thiri. “We set up designated areas for outpatient services and birthing. We arranged beds, and our health care workers helped with deliveries. Despite the challenging situation, we provided continuous health care services and successfully delivered four babies.”

One of those babies was Htet’s. “I gave birth on the evening of the flood. I was worried that I might need a C-section, but I ended up delivering normally. It was so much better than my first experience. The staff were kind and caring. They provided prenatal and postnatal care, as well as free medicine.”

Once the floodwaters subsided, Thiri and her team began the long process of returning the health facility to service. “The cleaning process took nearly three weeks,” she confirms. “Two months after the flood, we moved back to our original location and were ready to support our patients.”

Coping with the Climate Emergency

Myanmar is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to the climate emergency. As weather patterns become more extreme, severe flooding has become increasingly frequent. Communities are shouldering these challenges as they endure escalating armed conflict across much of the country.

Thiri and her team are adapting to this new reality. “Since the flood, I feel anxious whenever it rains, and I find it hard to sleep,” she admits. “We have faced two floods and relocated twice in 2024. We are now thinking about moving to a new, safer location.”

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Interviews have been edited for clarity, brevity, and flow.