The Paunglaung Dam in Nay Pyi Taw has reached its full supply level, and the Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management, Construction (5), said on the evening of August 17 that any overflow from the spillway would be reported in real time depending on inflow conditions.

At 4:15 p.m. on August 17, the dam reached its full supply level of 190 meters (623.39 feet). Although the reservoir has reached its full supply level, 20 HED spillway gates have been raised to allow additional water storage for power generation and to help reduce flooding downstream. Therefore, no water is currently overflowing through the spillway, the department said.

The department added that if water begins overflowing through the spillway depending on the inflow situation, the information will be reported promptly.

Meanwhile, downstream of the Paunglaung River, the Sittaung River water level at Madauk in eastern Bago Region has risen to 1,129 centimeters, exceeding the danger level of 1,070 centimeters by about two feet. According to a statement issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) at 12:30 p.m. on August 17, the river level could rise by another 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) over the next 24 hours and is likely to remain above the danger level.

According to the DMH's August 17 updates, the Bago River in Bago Township had reached 828 centimeters, about two feet below its danger level of 880 centimeters. The river could reach the danger level within the next 24 hours, and residents living near the riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Bago Township have been warned to remain vigilant and move to safer locations in time if the river level rises.

In addition, four basic education schools in Gyobingauk  Township in Thayarwady District, western Bago Region] have been temporarily closed due to flooding caused by rising water levels in the Makhah River and continuous heavy rainfall.

The schools affected are Basic Education Post-Primary School (Htan Kone) and Branch Basic Education Primary School (Nyaung Tan), which were affected by flooding on August 14; Basic Education Post-Primary School (Min Oh), affected on August 16; and Branch Basic Education Middle School (Bithalon Sit Kone), which was affected on August 17. The four schools have been temporarily closed through August 17 to ensure the safety of students.

It was also reported that once floodwaters recede and the schools can reopen normally, classes missed during the temporary closures will be made up on Sabbath and Sunday holidays.