Earth dams over 150 years old continue to protect against flood disasters in Ayeyawady Region

It is known that earth dams over 150 years old are still protecting against flood disasters in the Ayeyawady Region. The highest water levels were recorded in 1974, 2004, 2015, and 2016, reaching over 4 feet above the warning level, necessitating protective measures. "To protect against the overflow of the Ayeyawady River and Ngwan River within Hinthada District, dams have been constructed and protected since 1867. The most important dams in the region are the Ayeyawady-Hinthada Dam, which primarily protects against the Ayeyawady River, and the Ngwan Dam, which protects against the Ngwan River. The dams constructed to defend against the overflow of the two major rivers have been in place for over 150 years, and being earth dams, their strength has weakened, and water seepage and other damages have occurred annually. Previously, flood protection dams could only be maintained regularly depending on the availability of funds. Due to the inability to carry out dam repair work, insufficient embankment height, narrow embankment width, and steep slopes have led to breaches, embankment subsidence, and overtopping of the embankment crests every rainy season, making defense difficult," said U Win Htay, Director of the Ayeyawady Region Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department, at a flood protection demonstration. The dams that were initially constructed in Hinthada District extend to Kyonpyaw District, Pathein District, and Maubin District, and they protect the agricultural lands of the central delta region like a roof. "Currently, repairs have been carried out annually by prioritizing with Union/Regional funds, and dam damage has significantly decreased. It is still necessary to continue repairing the remaining dams. By 2026, 77 dam repair and construction projects will be carried out with Union/Regional funds, and 16 dam repair and construction projects were completed before the rainy season. The remaining 61 dam repair and construction projects will continue to be carried out in the dry season after the rainy season," the Director further stated. Although the dams have become more robust than before due to annual repair and construction, as they are earth dams, holes and rat burrows can form due to climate change and human activities, so it is necessary to pay attention to compliance with dam laws and regulations, and to carry out maintenance and habitation with care, he also instructed. During flood periods, emergency supplies are pre-stocked, labor is mobilized, and 118 flood watch stations have been opened and prepared. When the river water rises, dam workers patrol the dams day and night and take measures to prevent damage. According to the Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management, there are 64 dams in the Ayeyawady Region, with a total length of 1321.67 miles, protecting over 1.7 million acres of land from floods. Among these, there are 8 important dams to protect against river floods during the rainy season, protecting over 1.1 million acres of land with a total length of over 400 miles from flood disasters. Aung Kyaw Myo (Hinthada)