Flooding has occurred in Bago Region due to rising water levels in the Bago River and continuous heavy rainfall, forcing 13 basic education schools to temporarily close on September 2. Flooding has also been reported at several sections of the old Bago–Yangon–Mandalay road.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology at 12:30 p.m. on September 2, the Bago River water level had reached 917 centimeters, exceeding Bago’s danger level of 880 centimeters by 37 centimeters (more than one foot).
A local resident said water had begun overflowing onto sections of the old Bago–Yangon–Mandalay road near Kyun Thar Yar, in front of a petrol station and near the entrance to Metta Monastery, making it difficult for vehicles to pass.
“There was no flooding here yesterday. The water only started overflowing today. When I checked the area last night, there was still no water. Now it has become quite difficult for cars to travel. The water level in Bago has also risen considerably after exceeding the danger level. If the heavy rain continues, the situation could become more serious and vehicles may no longer be able to pass easily. I would also like to advise people to use the bypass road,” the resident said.
The 13 basic education schools temporarily closed due to the flooding are Basic Education High School No. 4, Basic Education High School No. 10, Basic Education Middle School (Branch) No. 5, Basic Education Middle School (Branch) Phaung Taw Oo, Basic Education Middle School (Branch) Mae Khun, Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Zay Gyi Naing, Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Myo Oo Kin, Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Ussar-6, Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Mazin (B), Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Letpan Khone, Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Shwe Hlae Ywar Ma, Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Kyauk Gyi Su and Basic Education Primary School (Branch) Thayar Aye.
Continuous rainfall and rising river levels have caused flooding in low-lying wards, roads and some parts of Bago. Flooding has also been reported in parts of Kalyani Ward, Myothit Ward, low-lying areas of Mazin and Thayet Taw, as well as inner areas of wards around Zay Taung, Maha Myaing and the Aung Hospital side.
According to forecasts from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the Bago River is expected to rise by about one foot over the next 24 hours and may remain above the danger level in Bago.
In view of the situation, Bago authorities have warned residents living near the Bago River and in low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding to continue monitoring the river level and rainfall conditions and to make advance preparations if the flooding worsens.
Meanwhile, river levels in Shwegyin and Madauk Townships , in eastern Bago Region, have also exceeded their respective danger levels, with flooding occurring in those areas as well.
