Dozens killed in Burmese floods and landslides

Floods and landslides killed at least 46 people in northwest Burma and rescue workers are evacuating residents affected by the incessant rains, official media said.

The deaths occurred in northern Rakhine state bordering Bangladesh, which was battered by heavy rain for two days.

Local authorities were continuing to aid victims and trying to open a key road damaged by the torrents, the Myanma Ahlin newspaper said. Bridges also were washed out in the region.

State television reported that 28 people were killed when houses built on mountains collapsed due to landslides in Buthidaung, 360 miles northwest of Rangoon and 18 others died in Maundaw, south of Buthidaung.

Flooding is common during the monsoon season that typically starts in late May.

Cyclone Nargis struck Burma in May 2008, leaving more than 140,000 people dead or missing.