METEOROLOGISTS have warned that if heavy rainfall in Yangon coincides with the exceptionally high tides of the Yangon River from 13 to 15 June, the riverside and creek-side townships in Yangon may experience flooding. “Due to changes in the monsoon wind patterns, strong monsoon rain is entering Myanmar from the south and southwest of the country.
As a result, Taninthayi Region is expected to receive the highest rainfall, while Rakhine, Chin, Mon, Kayin, Ayeyawady and Yangon regions are at Level-7 for heavy rainfall potential. Yangon, being densely populated and situated along the Yangon River, needs to pay special attention from 13 to 15 June because of the exceptionally high tides. River water levels may rise more than 22 feet above the basic water level, and if this coincides with heavy rain, low-lying wards, riverside neighbourhoods and village roads throughout Yangon may be flooded.
The risk period is from 10 to 15 June, especially the three days from the 14th waxing day of Nayon to the 1st waxing day of Waso,” said meteorologist U Win Naing. If heavy rain occurs during the periods of exceptionally high tide in the morning, afternoon and evening, residents in low-lying wards and those living along the Hlaing River, Yangon River, Bago River, Pazundaung Creek and the Yangon River estuary are advised to remain alert and make preparations.
The flooding warnings have been issued for townships along Yangon’s waterfront and areas along Pazundaung Creek, including Dawbon, Thakayta, Ahlon and Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) townships, during the three days from the 14th waxing day of Nayon to the 1st waxing day of Waso. During the 2024 rainy season, low-lying wards in Yangon experienced flooding, and also Aung Mingala bus terminal.
The blockages caused by garbage dumped into drainage systems prevented wastewater from residential areas and wards from flowing properly through the main drains into the Yangon, Hlaing, Pan Hlaing and Bago rivers, contributing to flooding in wards and villages during heavy rainfall. “The storm that struck Japan on 9 June has now weakened in the upper atmosphere, allowing the monsoon winds crossing the Bay of Bengal to enter Myanmar strongly.
Therefore, Yangon, Bago and Ayeyawady regions may receive heavy rainfall. On 11 June, heavy rain in Lower Myanmar may damage roads and bridges. On 12 June, Yangon and Ayeyawady may experience torrential rain. Heavy rainfall is likely to be seen in Lower Myanmar this week, said meteorologist U Htay Tint. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is a 60 to 80 per cent chance that La Niña conditions will emerge in the world.
Myanmar is among the countries expected to be affected. Due to the impact of La Niña, the country is already experiencing stronger monsoon effects, and throughout the rainy season, there are expected to be periods of intense rainfall, temporary breaks and renewed downpours.
Oktha/KTZH
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