Swelling rivers threaten people in low-lying areas

 July 17, 2017

Swelling Chindwin River forced 386 families from 34 villages to leave their homes and to close 30 schools in Kalewa Township while its bank erosion forced 26 houses in Yezagyo to be removed.

About 30 schools in Kalewa was closed due to the threat from the Chindwin River. Meanwhile, the water level of the Ayeyawady River is increasing, forcing 130 schools in total in Magway, Yenangyoung, Yesagyo, Chauk, Pakokku and Salin to close.

Meteorology and Hydrology Department has alerted the people who settle near the river and low-lying areas in several towns as rivers are swelling.

The water level of the Thanlwin River in Hpa-an and the Ngawun River at Thabaung are expected to reach its danger level today, said the weather bureau. The overflow water from the Thanlwin River inundated low-lying areas in Hpa-an yesterday.

Rain or thundershowers is expected over the whole country these days as monsoon is strong to vigorous over the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.

Likelihood of increase of rain in Nay Pyi Taw, Lower Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Yangon and Ayeyawady Regions and Rakhine State.

According to the observations yesterday, the low pressure area still persists over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West central Bay of Bengal and Odisha Coast (India).

It is forecast to further intensify into a depression during next (24)hrs.

Occasional squalls with rough seas will be experienced off and along Myanmar Coast. Surface wind speed in squalls may reach (40) m.p.h. Wave height will be about (9 - 14) feet along Myanmar Coast.

GNLM

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar