The Myanmar Port Authority has issued a warning that unusually high tides are expected in Yangon from September 17 to 23.
During this period, the water level in the Yangon River is expected to rise between 20.11 and 21.72 feet above the normal baseline. However, there is no cause for concern, as the river previously rose to around 22 feet above the baseline in 2014-2015. The warning is issued to inform residents near the riverbanks to prepare in advance if the water level exceeds 10 feet above the baseline, according to the Port Authority.
Meteorologist U Win Naing also reassured the public that there is no need to worry if there is no significant rainfall during the high tide.
"Consider which rivers and streams bring water to Yangon. The Hlaing River in the west is rising, and there is also the Ngamoeyeik Creek in the central area, but the water levels are not rising significantly yet. Water from the Bago River and the Sittaung Canal will flow into the Bago River. Areas like Thanlyin and Dagon Seikkan, which are low-lying, may experience rising water. If there is no heavy rainfall, the high tide between the 17th and 21st should not be a cause for concern. The low-pressure area that formed over India is expected to move inland and away from Myanmar. Therefore, even if it becomes a small storm, the rain will likely not persist beyond September 23," U Win Naing explained on social media.
