The Tanintharyi River has risen above the danger level, forcing the closure of as many as 17 schools in Tanintharyi town and surrounding villages, according to reports.

As of measurements taken on September 1, the river stood at 25 feet 10 inches, exceeding the danger level of 24 feet by 1 foot 10 inches.

Due to flooding caused by the rising river, 17 schools in the town and nearby villages have been closed. Ten evacuation centers have also been opened to provide assistance and emergency relief, according to an official.

Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding, with some sections of the Yangon-Myeik-Kawthaung Union Highway inundated, making road travel impossible in those areas.

“The river level is no longer rising. It has stabilized at 25 feet 10 inches. The rainfall is expected to decrease. If the sea tide on the Myeik side pulls the river water back, the river level should fall. For now, the schools have had to close, and the roads are blocked,” a local resident said.

The 17 closed schools are located in Nyaungbin Kwin, Let Thawng Ywar, Ban Thae, Auk Kin, East Maw Taung, Tapyu, Kyaukmee Kyaung, Htoun Nwe, Myay Ma Ohn, Myanmar Inn Taw, Kyein Chaung Wa, Zawe, Ka Taw Kan, Zalone, Boadhi Kan and Tanintharyi town.

About 2,000 people are currently staying at the 10 evacuation centers, where assistance is being provided, according to reports.

The warning level of the Tanintharyi River is 17 feet, while the danger level is 24 feet.