Social rescue group saves a drowning child in Hpakant amid floods

In Hpakant, Kachin State, where floods are occurring, members of the Myanmar Social Rescue Organization's Hpakant Township office were able to rescue a child over 10 years old who was drowning in the river while swimming. It is reported that on the afternoon of July 20, members of the social rescue organization who were carrying out rescue operations in Peace and Prosperity Ward (Part 4) were able to rescue the child after hearing the child's mother calling for help. An official from the Myanmar Social Rescue Organization's Hpakant Township office said, "When the water rose in that area, we were moving belongings when the child was drowning. When the parent was crying and calling for help, our teams went from the nearest location and carried out rescue operations." He also speculated that the child might have drowned while playing in the river, as children were seen swimming and playing there. He added, "Parents should pay attention to their children and not leave them unattended. I want to advise parents not to let children out of sight or leave them unattended during floods. We were able to help because our rescue team members were in the nearest location. If there was no one to save them, it would be unthinkable for this child. I want to tell parents to take care of their children." It was also learned from local residents that yesterday, the body of a child was found floating in the Uru River with the current. The body was found in a house in the Bo Tet Su area of the banana plantation, and the child was only seven months old.