ON 10 June, the Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems issued a waterway safety notice to prevent accidents involving vessels due to heavy rain, strong winds, and low visibility during the early monsoon season.
Vessel operators are advised to take precautions, as rising river levels may damage or displace navigational markers. Captains are urged to adjust their engine power and speed according to the river flow for likely currents and whirlpools. When passing under bridges, they should navigate at a safe distance, avoiding operating side-by-side.
According to GLoFAS data, river levels in the Ayeyawady Delta, Sittoung and Bago basins are expected to rise significantly between 15 and 22 June with “High Alert” and “Extreme Alert” status for flooding.
Additionally, meteorologist U Win Naing has warned that over the next 10 days, there is an 80 per cent to 100 per cent probability of rainfall exceeding 300 millimetres in coastal areas, Yangon, Ayeyawady, Bago, Mon and Kayin. He added that if heavy rain coincides with high tides, flash floods could occur in low-lying areas, urging people living near riverbanks to prepare lifeboats in advance.
Since the beginning of June, consecutive days of heavy rain have already caused mountain torrents and flash floods, resulting in losses for locals. — TWA/ZN
