NAYPYIDAW — Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued flood warnings for several townships as river levels rise above danger marks, urging residents in low-lying areas and near riverbanks to take precautions and prepare to move to safer locations if necessary.
The warnings cover Myinmu, Pakokku and Nyaung-U along the Ayeyarwady River, Hpa-an on the Thanlwin River, Madauk on the Sittaung River and Myitnge on the Dokhtawady River, according to the department’s latest river-level information reported on Wednesday.
Measurements taken early on Aug. 11 showed the Ayeyarwady River at Myinmu about 26 centimetres above its danger level, while levels at Pakokku and Nyaung-U were about 34 cm and 51 cm above their respective danger marks. The water levels at the three locations were expected to rise further, according to the reported warning.
The Thanlwin River at Hpa-an was about 80 cm above its danger level and was forecast to rise by a further 10 cm. Floodwaters had already entered parts of Hpa-an on Aug. 10, according to the reported warning.
The Sittaung River at Madauk was about 18 cm above its danger level and was expected to remain elevated. The Dokhtawady River at Myitnge was about 116 cm above its danger mark and was also forecast to remain high.
The warnings come as Myanmar remains in its southwest monsoon season. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said in its August forecast that rainfall was expected to be above normal in several regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Bago, Magway, Ayeyawady, Tanintharyi, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine.
Heavy rainfall has already caused flooding in parts of the country. In Sagaing Region, authorities have evacuated flood-affected residents to safer locations after heavy rain that began on Aug. 5 caused flooding in towns, villages, wards and farmland, according to state media.
The department has previously warned residents living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to take precautionary measures and move away from flood-prone areas when water levels rise.
Authorities were continuing to monitor river levels and weather conditions, with residents in affected areas advised to remain alert to further official warnings.
