Due to the rise in Ayeyawady and Sittoung rivers, danger levels have been reached in NyaungU, Seiktha and Madauk, according to a statement by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on July 16.
In NyaungU, the Ayeyawady river level was currently one centimetre above the danger level and could fall below it, while in Seiktha, it was reaching the danger level and may rise by about half a foot during the next day, remaining above it. The water level of the Sittoung River was more than half a foot above the danger level in Madauk and is expected to rise by about three inches over the next day, remaining above it. Therefore, people living in the lowlands in these three townships were advised to move to flood-free areas.
With incessant rains in the rainy season and with the increased frequency of more severe storms due to climate change and global warming, the probability of flood near major rivers is getting higher. Other areas within the country also reported significant disruption from floods. Tar Chi Lake, the border town in the eastern Shan, was flooded for the third time this year. The Yangon- Maw La Myine highway was shut off for nearly a week due to the overflow of Bee Lin river in July. Many towns and villages in Bago regions are also in danger of getting inundated. Widespread flooding is expected in most parts of lower Myanmar before the end of this raining season, based on the current weather patterns.
