Taninthayi River recedes below danger mark and Union Highway and trade routes reopened again.

The water level of the Taninthayi River has receded below the danger mark, allowing the reopening of major highways and border trade routes. Since July 24, the river had surpassed the danger mark of 17 feet and even exceeded the critical level of 24 feet, resulting in record flooding not seen in 30 years. As of August 5, the water level has dropped back to 16 feet.

The flooding of the Taninthayi River caused numerous schools to close and hampered rescue operations due to the challenging conditions in the affected areas.

"We were able to assist over 4,000 people from more than 830 households. By connecting with local residents, we managed to reach villages and provide aid, including rescue supplies and food in Taninthayi town. Volunteers from Mawdaung and other areas also joined the efforts. Our team made every effort to help Taninthayi town and surrounding villages, covering about 65% of the most needed areas," said Ko Aung Thaw San, Chairman of Shwe Yaung Nay Thit Charity Organization in Myeik, who assisted in the Taninthayi flood relief operations.

The Taninthayi River experienced record flooding, reaching 31 feet, the highest since 1994. Over 900 households and more than 4,000 people were reported affected by the flooding, though locals believe the actual numbers could be higher.

The flooding of the Taninthayi River caused the temporary closure of 54 schools and resulted in the drowning deaths of four men.

"Due to the local conditions, we couldn’t help each other. This year’s flooding has been particularly severe. We've experienced 13 consecutive days of flooding. Now that the water level has dropped below the danger mark, houses are re-emerging, and people are starting to clean up. In 1994, the river rose to 36 feet, while this year it reached 31 feet," said a resident of Taninthayi town.

The Taninthayi River flooding submerged the Myeik-Kawthaung Union Highway and the Myeik-Tanintharyi-Mawtaung border trade routes, temporarily cutting off access. With water levels now below the danger mark, these major highways and trade routes are back in use.

The danger level for the Taninthayi River is 17 feet, with the critical level at 24 feet.