Floods have not receded significantly in Bago region where over 4,500 households with hundreds of thousands of flood victims are now taking shelter in over 20 flood relief camps, according to the rescue teams.

Bago Region is experiencing the worst flooding in 60 years and the flooding started since October 8.

“Water level didn’t reduce vividly. Currently, nearly a whole of Bago city has been flooded,” said Min Min Tun, one of the aid workers in Bago Region.

He also reported that ultimately, over 4,500 households are being flooded. Flooding occurred in seven wards and eight villages in Bago city.   

Currently, there have been 22 flood relief camps in Bago and the aid workers from entire Myanmar are now helping the rescue activities. Mainly, boats are urgently in need, according to Min Min Tun.

The rains that fell on October 8 set a new record for the town of Bago. It was a new record rainfall of 7.87 inches, and the previous record was 5.15 inches in 2018.

Following the record-breaking rains, flooding began on the night of October 8, not only in the townships of the region but also in downtown areas.

A local resident said several villages have been in flood.

Moreover, homes in some neighborhoods in downtown Bago are being trapped asking for help to come and rescue them.

It is the fourth time that the town of Bago experienced floods this year.

"There have been about four times of flooding this year, but now it's the worst, and I've never experienced it in my lifetime," said a 40-year-old resident.

Due to the continuous heavy rains in Bago, the water level of Bago River already has risen. So, the team led by Bago Region Fire Services Department sent the flood victims to the monasteries and relief centers. Moreover, the special rescue members from Headquarter of Myanmar Fire Services Department left for Bago region on October 9 aiming to carry out rescue activities.

Additional reports indicate that although the water level of the Bago River is stagnant, there are still floods in the wards of the town.

According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the water level of Bago River may rise by one and a half feet in the next day and may remain above the danger level. Therefore, the department has advised that those living near the river and in low-lying areas in Bago Township should take special care.