According to sources close to the Department of Agriculture in Kayin State, over 35,000 acres of monsoon paddy fields have been submerged due to two instances of flooding in the region.

The first instance of flooding occurred in late July through early August in several areas of Kayin State, including Hpa-An Township, submerging over 13,146 acres of monsoon paddy, according to a source close to the Department of Agriculture.

"The Thanlwin River overflowed in mid-September, leading to the second instance of flooding, which affected many townships, including Hpa-an. This second flood caused even more damage to the monsoon paddy fields than the first flood. All the fields that were replanted after the first flood have been submerged again," the source stated.

The second wave of flooding in Kayin State destroyed over 35,391 acres of monsoon paddy fields.

Continuous rainfall and runoff from the mountains caused the Thanlwin River to overflow, leading to floods in the region. Local farmers reported that, in addition to monsoon paddy, other crops were also damaged.

"All the paddy fields along the banks of the Thanlwin River have been completely destroyed. Other crops and fruit trees have also been ruined. However, areas farther from the river experienced less damage," said a farmer from Hpa-an Township.

The Kayin State government has provided 2,000 baskets of paddy seeds and 250 bags of urea fertilizer to farmers whose monsoon paddy fields were damaged by flooding in 27 village tracts in Hpa-an Township and six village tracts in Hlaingbwe Township. An additional 1,000 baskets of paddy seeds have been ordered to further support the affected farmers, according to sources close to the Department of Agriculture in Kayin State.

During the first flood on July 28, at 6:30 AM, the water level of the Thanlwin River in Hpa-an reached 951 centimeters, surpassing the danger level of 750 centimeters. This exceeded the previous record of 938 centimeters set on July 30, 2018.

During the second flood on September 13, at 6:30 PM, the water level of the Thanlwin River in Hpa-An reached 954 centimeters, once again surpassing the danger level. By 6:30 AM on September 14, the water level had risen further to 968 centimeters, setting a new record.