Severe bank erosion along Swa Creek in Swa Town, Yedashe Township, Bago Region, has caused sections of the creek banks to collapse, while some farmland near the creek has been washed away and damaged, according to local residents.

The Thine Creek, which originates in the forest reserves and reserved forests of the western Bago Yoma and flows downstream, enters Swa Creek near Kan Pa Ni Village in the Gon Min Kwin Village Tract of Swa Town.

The water from Swa Creek then continues flowing eastward before joining the Sittaung River near Thayet Taw Village and Shwe Thein Taw Monastery in Swa Town.

During periods of heavy rainfall, runoff from the mountains flows into Swa Creek, increasing the strength of the current and carrying large amounts of sediment. This has resulted in the formation of sandbanks along the creek. The sandbanks have altered the flow of the creek in some areas, causing increased erosion and the collapse of creek banks, according to local residents.

At present, bank erosion caused by Swa Creek has been occurring in villages along the creek downstream of Swa Dam, including Kya In, Tantaikgyi, Yay Ni and Thayet Taw villages in the Swa Min Lan Village Tract. The erosion situation is reportedly more severe in Kya In and Yay Ni villages.

As a result of the erosion, farmland west of Kya In Village has been collapsing and being lost, while rice, sugarcane and other crops have also been washed into the creek along with the collapsing banks.

A local resident said that if the bank collapses continue, more farmland close to the creek could be lost, while damage to seasonal crops cultivated by farmers could also increase significantly.

The bank erosion along Swa Creek is reportedly being caused by mountain runoff entering the creek during periods of heavy rain and the resulting strong water currents.