Inland Water Transport warns about danger of strong wind in rivers, creeks

a luxury cruise ship seen in the Ayeyawady River.

Yangon February 27

Inland Water Transport has warned vessel passengers about the danger of strong wind in rivers.

 “In summer, strong wind usually blows in the evening. Especially, vessels operating in the river should be more careful. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has also issued warning and instructions regarding strong wind. And our department is ensuring both government-owned and private vessels including passenger vessels follow those instructions,” said U Htein Lin, an officer of the Inland Water Transport.

Rain clouds usually gather in March, April and May annually in Myanmar, and frequently followed by strong wind, heavy rains, thunder and lightning, as well as sleeting.

In 2016, because of such phenomena, houses were damaged and trees fell down, killing 44 people and affecting around 150,000 people in 59 townships across the country.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has urged the members of public to cooperate with it to reduce possible damages in the same period this year.

“The most destructive one among those phenomena is the gale that comes down directly from above. Even huge vessels can fall down because of it. This phenomenon is caused by rain clouds, its 

affected area is usually no more than two or three square miles. But it is very dangerous and takes place very quickly,” said the officer.

“Another thing vessels have to be careful is sandbanks. As the rivers and creeks dry up in summer, this has led to sandbanks and as a result waterways can also change,” he added.

The Myawady Daily