Forecasters warn of heavy rains ahead

Above graphic shows water level of Ngawun River at Ngathaingchaung

Yangon August 6

Heavy rains are expected in Myanmar over the next few days, including Chin, Rakhine and Magway, an official from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said on August 4.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology announced on August 3 that the water level of Ayeyarwady River may remain above its danger level or continue to rise during next 3 days at Pakokku, Nyaung Oo, Seiktha, Hinthada and Zalun.

The water level of Chindwin River at Monywa (1143) cm is the new highest record in 50 years. The previous highest water level of Chindwin River at Monywa is (1099) cm.

The water level of Ngawun River at Ngathaing Chaung has reached its danger level exceeding 82 cm (about 2.7-feet) above its danger level. It may continue to rise about (0.5) foot during the next (3) days and may remain above its danger level, the department said.

The death toll from severe floods in Myanmar has reached at least 47 and more than 200,000 people are affected by widespread flooding following weeks of heavy monsoon rains, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement said on Monday.

The United Nations warned that the death toll from floods in Myanmar is expected to rise over the coming days.

The figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available, because many areas have not been reached or reported on by assessment teams.

The Department announced on August 5 that monsoon is strong to vigorous in the Andaman Sea and South Bay and weak elsewhere in the Bay of Bengal. Rain or thundershowers will be isolated in Lower Sagaing and Magway Regions, scattered in Mandalay Region, Chin, Rakhine and Kayah States, fairly widespread in Upper Sagaing, Bago, Yangon and Ayeyarwady  Regions, Shan State and widespread in the remaining Regions and States with likelihood of isolated heavy falls in Yangon and Tanintharyi Regions, Kachin, Kayin and Mon States.

The department warned residents who live beside rivers and low-lying areas to beware of flooding, and said that for the month of August above-normal rainfall was likely in upper Sagaing, Bago and Yangon regions, and in Chin, Rakhine, Kayin and Mon states, while the rest of the country would see normal amounts of rainfall.

Poe Aung

The Myawady Daily, Page (19)

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