Photos: Sagaing Region Fire Services Department (Command)

It is understood that due to heavy rainfall in the upper regions and the influx of water into the Thaphanseik Dam, Kinntat Dam, and Kabaw Dam, along with the controlled release of water from their spillways, numerous villages along both banks of the Mu River downstream of the dams are submerged. Starting from August 5th, the controlled release of water from the Thaphanseik Dam has led to flooding and overflowing of the Mu River, resulting in breaches of the riverbanks and the washing away of some inter-district bridges. Currently, many villages within Kanbalu, Ye-u, Tantsi, and Dipayin townships are submerged. The Thaphanseik Dam has a full water level of 545 feet and a storage capacity of 2,794,000 acre-feet. On August 5th, it was understood that the dam was adjusted and released water as it was only about one foot away from reaching its full capacity. This water has reached the Mu River banks downstream of the Kinntat Dam, flowing through the Kinntat Dam and towards Kanbalu, Tantsi, and downstream of Kabaw Dam in the vicinity of Ye-u, Khin-U, and Dipayin. It has been investigated and understood that the areas closest to the Mu River are experiencing severe flooding. It is understood that due to this flooding, within Dipayin Township, a sudden rise in river water caused six farmers engaged in transplanting rice to be swept away and die. "Since Ye-u is on the banks of the Mu River, many places are flooded. The entire town of Ye-u is inundated. The water started coming in around 1 AM and by morning it was chest-high," said a resident of Ye-u town. It is understood that within Ye-u Township, due to the flooding of the Mu River, flood victims from Aungmingalar Ward, Shwepyithar Ward, and Bo Aung Zeya Ward have been assisted and relocated by the Ye-u Township Fire Services Department and relevant organizations to the Township Sports Hall, Win Gyi Monastery, and Wa So Monastery. It is understood that due to severe flooding, the villages along the Mu River downstream of the Thaphanseik Dam and Kinntat Dam have experienced breaches in their riverbanks, washing away of roads and bridges, and communication difficulties. "The water from upstream hasn't subsided yet, and the water from downstream is still rising," said a local resident of Tantsi. Currently, it has been observed that due to the river water, Mu River water, and dam water, the water level in the villages along the Mu River banks is likely to continue to rise, and therefore, local awareness campaigns are being conducted to urge residents to relocate.