Two individuals have tragically lost their lives, and an American tourist is currently missing after being swept over the edge of a 400-foot waterfall in Myanmar. The incident took place at the Ohn Chaw Waterfall in Mandalay on Monday, September 29. According to reports, a group of tourists, consisting of 14 individuals, was swimming in a natural pool at the waterfall when a sudden river surge occurred, pulling five of them over the edge.
The Myanmar Fire Service Department shared that two Burmese women succumbed to their injuries after colliding with boulders on the third level of the waterfall. A 43-year-old Russian national named Andrei managed to survive the ordeal by wedging himself between rocks, albeit with a broken leg. Unfortunately, two women, including an American national and a Burmese national, are still missing following the river surge.
Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, with firefighters discovering Andrei in distress at approximately 3 p.m. local time. He was quickly transported to Pyin Oo Lwin Hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries. Tragically, the two missing women have yet to be located. An official from the Tha-Yar-Maung social assistance association reported that the group of tourists, which may include foreigners, was swept from the eighth tier to the third tier of the waterfall.
The Ohn Chaw Waterfall, also known as the Eight-Tier Waterfall, is situated between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin. It boasts eight levels that cascade into a canyon, offering natural pools for visitors to enjoy. Reports indicate that drowning incidents have occurred at the waterfall in the past, although a river surge causing individuals to be swept away is unprecedented. Visibility issues forced rescue teams to halt their search for the missing individuals on Monday evening, with plans to resume their efforts soon.
Authorities have indicated that the search for the missing tourists will continue, as it is crucial to locate them in a timely manner. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in natural environments, especially during unpredictable weather conditions. The wellbeing and safety of tourists should always be a top priority when exploring unfamiliar territories and engaging in outdoor activities.
In light of this heartbreaking event, it is essential for tourists to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when visiting natural landmarks and water bodies. Proper risk assessment and awareness of local conditions can prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims, and we hope for a swift and successful resolution to the search for the missing American tourist and her companion.