Many areas including Rakhine State still flooded, rain expected to continue

Raung Ni (July 15) Mizzima. Due to the influence of the monsoon and a low-pressure trough, rain is expected to continue in many areas, including Rakhine State, which is still experiencing floods, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the interim military government announced today. From this morning until July 21, rain is possible in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon Region, Mandalay Region, Bago Region, Upper Sagaing Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Tanintharyi Region, Kachin State, Kayin State, Chin State, Mon State, Rakhine State, and Shan State, with localized heavy rainfall expected in some areas. Areas for which heavy rain warnings have been issued include those currently experiencing floods. Due to heavy rainfall since early July, some areas in Rakhine State, which has been experiencing floods since July 7, remain inundated. "While water has receded in other townships, villages in Gwa Township are still submerged. In areas where the water has receded, cleanup of debris left behind during the floods is underway. The rain is intermittent," said a resident of the Kyauktaw area. According to local social organizations, floods occurred in 11 areas in Rakhine State during the floods in early July, affecting over 100,000 people. In villages along the Pa-sein-Chaungtha road in Pa-sein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, heavy rainfall on July 13 caused landslides, leading to flooding and fatalities. "The rain is still falling. The Pa-sein-Chaungtha road, which was impassable due to flooding a few days ago, is now passable as the water has receded. Residents affected by the floods are in need of assistance," said a resident of Chaungtha. Although water has receded in many areas that experienced floods in recent days, officials from social assistance organizations are urging residents to remain vigilant for the possibility of renewed flooding due to the ongoing rainfall. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology announced that the Chindwin River water level in Homalin Township may fall below the warning level within the next day, but it may remain above the warning level in Phawngpyin Township. The Sittang River water level in Madauk may fall by about half a foot within the next day, but it may remain above the warning level. Therefore, residents living near the riverbanks have been advised to be cautious of floods and evacuate. During the current monsoon season, many areas in Myanmar are experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to floods and landslides. In addition to floods, meteorological departments have advised caution for travel and activities in areas prone to flooding and overflowing rivers, as well as areas where landslides may occur, due to the possibility of secondary natural disasters such as strong winds and landslides. The weekly weather forecast released by the National Unity Government's (NUG) Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement (MSLHA) also recommends that due to the influence of the low-pressure trough and the monsoon until July 19, rain is likely to continue across Myanmar, and special attention should be paid to potential floods and landslides. Editor: Aung Kyaw Phyo