Rain continues across Myanmar, with river levels expected to exceed warning levels in Setta, Henzada, Zalun and Bago

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) announced today, September 8, that the monsoon winds over the Bay of Bengal and the Bay of Bengal are expected to strengthen moderately to strongly, and cumulonimbus clouds are actively forming, leading to continued rainfall across Myanmar and river levels in many cities, including the Ayeyarwaddy River, exceeding warning levels. From September 9 to 12, thunderstorms are likely to occur in scattered to widespread areas across Myanmar, with heavy rainfall possible in isolated areas of Mandalay, Magway, Sagaing, Tanintharyi regions, Kachin, Kayin, and Mon states. In Ayeyarwaddy Region, where flooding is currently occurring, the Ayeyarwaddy River is about 1 foot 8 inches below the warning level in Setta Township and could reach the warning level within the next 36 hours. Similarly, in Henzada Township, the river is about 2 feet 4 inches below the warning level and could reach it within the next two days. In Zalun Township, the river is about 2 feet 1 inch below the warning level and could reach it within the next two days. Due to the rising water levels of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the Ngwun River in Laymyethna Township may also see rising water levels, and local relief workers have expressed concern about difficulties in repairing the currently breached Ngwun embankment and a potential increase in water intrusion. It is understood that the water levels of the Sittang River and the Salween River, in addition to the Ayeyarwaddy River, remain above their warning levels. The Sittang River is currently about 6 inches above the warning level in Madauk Township, and although it may drop by about 3 inches within the next day, it will remain above the warning level. Similarly, the Salween River is about 1 foot 2 inches above the warning level in Bago Township and could rise by another 3 inches within the next day, remaining above the warning level. The Salween River began to rise in July and had receded, but it has now returned above the warning level. According to data from the Disaster Management Committee under the elected government, due to the rising river levels, residents in low-lying areas and along the riverbanks have been relocated to temporary relief camps, and there are currently 27 such camps. Photo – Ayeyarwaddy Times, Elected Government