Myawaddy, 5 August
Heavy rainfall swelled rivers and submerged some villages and low-lying neighborhoods in Karen State’s six townships, forcing people to be evacuated urgently, said the locals.
Low-lying areas, including Mae Pa Le village in Shwe Kokko new town, experience flooding as a result of swelling rivers after heavy rains in Karen State’s Myawaddy Township since August 3.
The Than Lwin River burst its banks in Hpa-an and Hlaing Bwe on 3 August, inundating low-lying neighborhoods in Hpa-an and some villages near the river bank.
Furthermore, flooding has impacted several low-lying areas in Kawkayeik and Kyondoe townships due to the overflow of Haung Thayaw and Gyaing rivers. According to locals, the towns of Kyainseikgyi and Phyar Pon also saw heavy rainfall and flooding.
The number of flood victims taking refuge in relief camps in Karen State is still unknown. The flood-hit victims were evacuated by the fire brigade and rescue workers to the relief camps.
According to the meteorological department’s flood bulletin issued on August 4, the water level of Than Lwin River may continue to rise from its present level by about ½ feet during the next day, while that of Thaung Yin River may fall by about ½ feet the following day.
As a result, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology advises residents who live near the river banks and in low-lying areas in Hpa-an and Myawaddy Townships to take precautionary measures.
News-Than Lwin Times
Photo-CJ