Flash floods hit townships in Tachilek despite brief rain

Mekong, July 27 In Tachilek city, eastern Shan State, Myanmar, flash floods occurred in several low-lying townships despite a brief period of rain. It was reported that due to rain that fell for about half an hour in the afternoon of July 27, roads in low-lying townships such as Talo, Punsong, Sansaing, Makahokhum, and Mekong were flooded, and some houses experienced water intrusion. "The flooding in Tachilek has become like an incurable disease. It floods even with a little rain," said a local resident. Although the water level of the Mae Sai River has not reached the warning level of 390, the river water is rising, and although it is not a rapid rise due to the water gates controlling it, it is understood that water intrusion is still occurring. "When it rains in the mountains of Maintun Loysamson, the source of the Mae Sai River, the river floods," said a forestry official. It is understood that in Tachilek city, there are 4 water gates in Punsong township, 2 water gates in Talo township, and 1 water gate in Mekong township, and when the Mae Sai River's water level exceeds the warning level and the river water rises, the water gates are opened and closed to reduce flooding and inundation. It is understood that the opening and closing of the water gates in these townships are being carried out by the township administrator, the township clerk, the village headman, and 3 residents living near the water gates.