Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe Township, southern Shan State, is experiencing unprecedented water levels, with water reaching the grounds of the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda for the first time in many years, according to local residents on September 3.

The water levels in Inle Lake are reportedly the highest seen in years, with water reaching the grounds of the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda as of September 3, according to a local resident.

"In the past, we’ve seen something similar. In 2002, the water levels were even higher, by about a foot and a half. It's been decades since we've seen water rise like this. It's been two days now without rain, but if it rains again in the coming days, the water in Inle Lake will rise further. With continuous rain in recent days, all the streams and creeks are full, causing the water to flow into the lake, which is why the water level is rising. The heavy rains have also damaged tomato plants," a resident from Mongthauk said.

This year, due to heavy rains, Inle Lake has experienced rising water levels, reportedly the highest in decades.

On September 1, the water reached the grounds of the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. It was said that the water level was just about one foot short of reaching the record high set in 1992. In 2006, the pagoda hill was also submerged, according to a local resident.

As the water has reached the platform of the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, vendors are facing difficulties, and the low number of pilgrims has created further challenges, a local resident stated.

Due to the rising water levels in Inle Lake, those without boats are facing transportation difficulties, and farmers are experiencing damage to their crops due to the heavy rains.

Additionally, it has been announced that the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda's annual festival will be held again this year, and plans for the traditional ceremonies and offerings at the pagoda have already been made public.