Flooding has affected low-lying wards and villages in Shwegyin and Madauk in eastern Bago Region, with local authorities and firefighters assisting households in moving to safer areas as river levels continue to rise above danger marks.
According to a Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) bulletin issued at 6:30 pm. on August 21, the Shwegyin River at Shwegyin had risen to 750 centimetres, about 1.5 feet above the danger level of 700 centimetres.
The river had been only about two inches above the danger mark at 8:30 am. on August 21, but rose rapidly during the day, causing floodwaters to enter low-lying wards and villages. Residents of affected households were evacuated to safer locations with assistance from firefighters and relevant authorities.
The DMH warned that the Shwegyin River could rise by a further three feet above the danger level within the next 24 hours and could remain above the danger mark. Residents living near the riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Shwegyin Township were therefore urged to move to safer locations.
Meanwhile, the Sittaung River at Madauk in Nyaunglebin District had also risen significantly. The DMH reported at 6:30 pm. on August 21 that the river had reached 1,193 centimetres, approximately 3.5 feet above Madauk's danger level of 1,070 centimetres.
The DMH forecast that the Sittaung River at Madauk could rise by another one foot during the following 24 hours and remain above the danger level. Residents living near the river and in low-lying areas of Madauk were urged to move to safer places.
The heavy flooding followed exceptionally heavy rainfall in eastern Bago Region. According to the DMH's rainfall report issued at 2 pm. on August 21, Madauk recorded 7.21 inches of rain while Shwegyin received 5.55 inches during the previous 24 hours, both registering notable rainfall totals.
Photo: Firefighters from Shwegyin Township and relevant organizations assist households from low-lying wards and villages affected by rising Shwegyin River water to move to safer areas on the evening of August 21. (Shwegyin Township Fire Station)
