The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) has warned residents living near riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Bago Region to remain vigilant as water levels in the Bago River and the Sittaung River near Madauk are expected to reach their respective danger levels within the next 24 hours.

According to the DMH’s 6:30 pm. bulletin on July 29, water levels in both rivers were only a few inches below their respective danger marks and could reach those levels within the following 24 hours.

In Bago city, rainfall was limited on July 29, with no rain recorded up to 7:30 pm. However, the Bago River continued to rise. As of 6:30 pm, the river had reached 866 centimeters, just 14 centimeters (about six inches) below the danger level of 880 centimeters.

The rising river level has already caused flooding in some low-lying and depressed areas of Bago city. Water has entered parts of several wards and roads, with floodwaters reportedly reaching depths of more than four feet in some locations.

Flooding has also occurred from a creek between Ywar Thit and Kyauk Gyi Su wards. Authorities are closely monitoring the river and flooding conditions and are continuing to carry out necessary flood prevention, emergency response and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, in Madauk, Nyaunglaybin District, the Sittaung River had risen to 1,064 centimeters as of 6:30 pm. on July 29. The level was only eight centimeters (about three inches) below Madauk’s danger level of 1,070 centimeters.

The DMH has advised residents living near the riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Bago Township and Madauk to remain alert and take necessary precautions in advance. Residents have also been urged to move to safer areas promptly if river levels continue to rise and flooding becomes more severe.