The Tanintharyi River remains above its danger level, but traffic has resumed along the Union Highway after floodwaters receded in Tanintharyi Township, Tanintharyi Region.

The river rose above the danger level and exceeded 30 feet during recent flooding, inundating Tanintharyi town and numerous villages. However, roads have become passable again since October 4, allowing vehicles to resume travel.

“The water between Myeik and Tanintharyi has receded. During the flooding, water rose as high as nine feet above the road in Letaungya Village. Thousands of people had to be evacuated to higher ground. There is still some water between Tanintharyi and Bokpyin townships, but vehicles can now pass,” a local resident from Tanintharyi said.

Only about one foot of water remains on the road in Letaungya Village along the Tanintharyi-Bokpyin-Kawthaung section of the Union Highway, making the road usable again, according to local residents.

“The Tanintharyi River originates in the Dawei area, and heavy rains and landslides there caused the river level to rise rapidly. Within a few days, it exceeded both the warning and danger levels. This effectively cut off road connections between Myeik and Dawei, as well as Kawthaung and Tanintharyi. Now, travel from Myeik to Tanintharyi, Bokpyin and Kawthaung is possible again, but the route towards Dawei remains inaccessible,” local residents said.

As of the morning of October 5, the Tanintharyi River was measured at 19 feet, although it remained above the designated warning level. Volunteer rescue workers have been travelling to affected areas to provide assistance.

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