On 12 February 1945, British and American units of Lt Gen Sultan's Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) were advancing south towards Lashio and Kyaukme but were being held up by heavy fighting near the Shweli River. Kyaukme was captured on 31 March 1945 by the British 36th Infantry Division and Chinese 6th Army units, which cleared the Burma Road from Mandalay to Lashio.[8]
During Operation 1027 of the Myanmar Civil War, the town experienced an influx of people fleeing from fighting from rural areas in the township.[9] During renewed fighting in June 2024, the town was the site of clashes between junta forces and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, who eventually took control of the town.[10][11]
Climate
Climate data for Kyaukme, elevation 759 m (2,490 ft), (1983–2010)
Burma and China signed a contract in August 2003 for a hydro power project. A dam is under construction on the Shweli River near Namhkam aiming to supply electricity to Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Lashio and Namtu.[15]
Health
Malaria is endemic in the area, and its control has been the concern of the WHO since the 1950s.[16] Women of reproductive age (15-49) in Kyaukme and Nawnghkio have been targeted for improvement in reproductive health in the community in collaboration with Japan. A study mission was started in June 2004, with the project continuing for the period January 2005- December 2009.[17][18]
During the Saffron Revolution, on 24 September 2007, 37 Buddhistmonks in Kyaukme staged a peaceful protest march which ended without interference from the authorities, but they were prevented from repeating the protest the next day.[21]
