Heavy rains cause flooding in Rakhine State, potentially the worst in 20 years

Continuous heavy rains and tornadoes in Rakhine State have led to damaged homes in many townships and submerged numerous wards and villages, with the flood situation reaching a "situation requiring response," it is known. According to the announcement from the Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS), the flood situation in the upper Kaladan River zone has reached an extremely severe "purple" level. It is indicated that it could exceed the highest record in 20 years, and the peak of the water flow could suddenly arrive around July 10. Furthermore, the central and lower delta areas near Sittwe are at a severe "red" level, and the peak water flow is expected between July 11 and 12. This flood period could last for 15 to 16 days, potentially affecting 3,696 hectares of agricultural land and approximately 5,200 local residents directly. According to the announcement from the AA's Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) on July 9, about 240 houses and other structures were damaged due to tornadoes in Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Taungup, and Thandwe townships on July 5. As of July 8, over 70 villages/wards in Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk U, and Minbya townships are experiencing flooding, with three people confirmed dead, some roads and bridges damaged, and landslides and bank collapses occurring. It is warned that the situation could worsen as the rain continues. More than 26 villages and 11 wards in Mrauk U township are submerged, and at the Gara Taung IDP camp, which houses over 200 people, the water level has risen to six feet, forcing an emergency evacuation and a need for assistance. In Minbya township, continuous rainfall since July 1 has caused the Ley Myo River to rise, resulting in the submersion of more than 22 villages along the Ley Myo stream and the Pan Myawng stream. HDCO is carrying out flood response operations in cooperation with revolutionary government departments and social assistance organizations, and is urging the public to pay special attention to the danger posed by venomous animals such as snakes and scorpions that may accompany floods and bank collapses. It has also been notified to prepare drinking water, medicine, personal necessities, and important documents. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of the interim government has only advised caution regarding heavy rainfall, strong winds, sudden floods, landslides, and inundation due to the potential strengthening of the monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Photo: APM Caption: Flooding in northern Rakhine