Myanmar river reaches record high levels in over 50 years

NAYPYITAW — Hpa-an township in Myanmar’s Kayin State has been flooded for the second time as the Thanlwin River water has reached 875 centimeters above danger level and is likely to get higher. 

The township has been suffering flash floods caused by heavy rains plus high tide since July 21. The tide reached record high to 938 cm in 53 years. 

“If rain continues, there will be high tide for next three or four days. As flooding has lasted about a month, we are under severe pressure. We have to rely on rescue camps for our meals. When flood waters subside, it is more important to repair our homes than to fill our stomachs. I can’t sleep well at night considering how I have to seek money to repair my home,” said Han Maw, a local resident from Ward (1) of Hpa-an. 

In the second high tide period of Myanmar in 2002, the Thanlwin River levels reached record high to 936 cm. The river levels reached 925 cm in 2011. After continued flooding till 2014, flooding did not occur for three consecutive years. This year, the Thanlwin River water reached record high to 938 cm in over 50 years. 

Since last month, about four townships in Kayin State have been suffering flash floods caused by continuous rainfalls and high tide.