The spillway overflow discharge from Lower Paunglaung Dam in Zeyarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Territory, has continued for nearly three days as of September 2, with the volume of water being released increasing to nearly five times the initial discharge level.
According to a noon statement issued on September 2 by Construction Group 5 under the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department, the spillway discharge had increased to 9,987 cubic feet per second.
Lower Paunglaung Dam began overflowing through its spillway at around 7 am on August 31 after the reservoir reached its full supply level.
At 8:45 am on August 31, the spillway discharge was about 2,050 cubic feet per second. By noon on September 2, however, it had risen to 9,987 cubic feet per second, representing an increase of nearly fivefold compared with the initial discharge.
The highest spillway discharge recorded at Lower Paunglaung Dam in 2024 was 56,681 cubic feet per second. The current discharge of 9,987 cubic feet per second remains well below that record level.
Construction Group 5 under the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department said water is being regulated and released systematically depending on the amount flowing into the Paunglaung reservoir. Therefore, there is currently no need for concern over flooding along the Paunglaung River, while the dam and spillway remain in good condition. The department said it would continue issuing real-time updates depending on inflow conditions.
Meanwhile, water levels have risen significantly in the Sittaung River at Taungoo and Madauk, as well as in the Shwegyin and Bago rivers downstream from their confluence with the Paunglaung River. Water levels in the Sittaung River at Madauk, the Shwegyin River at Shwegyin and the Bago River at Bago have reportedly exceeded their respective danger levels.
Due to the rising water levels, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned residents living near riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Shwegyin Township to remain vigilant. Residents near riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Bago Township and Madauk town are also urged to move to safer areas if necessary.
