25 July

The water level in the Ayeyawady River is rising due to the continuous heavy rainfall, forcing flood victims from more than 9,400 households in eight regions and states, where they are being evacuated to flood shelters, according to Disaster Management Department headquartered in Nay Pyi Taw.

“Eight regions and states are estimated to have experienced flooding. Rescue and relief operations were undertaken for flood-stricken locations in Bago Region and Mon, Chin and Rakhine states. However, some regions and states are still in need of rescue and relief operations, said Daw Phyu Lei Lei Tun, director of the Disaster Management Department.

A total of 9,420 households are being evacuated to flood shelters, registering 100 households from Bhamo, Kachin State, over 4,300 from Katha, Htigyaing, Kanbalu, KhinU, Sagaing and Kyaukmyaung townships in Sagaing Region, over 4,900 from Thabeikkyin, Singu, Singaing, TadaU and Taungtha townships in Mandalay Region and 120 from Chauk and Yenangyaung townships in Magway Region, according to officials. “We are endeavouring to evacuate flood victims based upon real-time information, under the respective region and state governments’ supervision. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has been contributing to the flood victims”, Daw Phyu Lei Lei Tun said. At present, under the natural disaster management committee, the ministry is coordinating with the region and state governments to support contributions for rice, and has handed over contributions of K169 million to flood victims. Further contributions will also be made.

The residents in flood-prone locations need to be alert for warnings issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, and can call for help to the respective Disaster Management departments and headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw by dialing 067-3404666, 067-34040777.—Myint Maung Soe 

(Translated by EMM)