Less rain in Arakan State after floods, but forecasters keep eye on river levels 

By DMG 23 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
23 August 2021, Sittwe 

Although Arakan State has seen less rain recently, floods may occur again if the Kaladan and Lemro rivers’ waters exceed critical levels, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH). 

“We’ve estimated that river water levels will keep rising until the end of this month,” said U Hla Tun, deputy director of the DMH. “However, the state is getting less rain. So, there is no possibility that the river waters will rise to the critical levels this month. 

Nevertheless, floods can occur if we get more rain, and it is necessary to make preparations and ensure the safety of important documents.” 

Early this month, houses were damaged as the Lemro River waters rose, but currently water levels are stable due to less rain, said Ko Soe Naing, a local from Pan Myaung village in Minbya Township. 

“About five houses in Pan Myaung village were damaged due to the Lemro River water level rising early this month,” he told DMG. 

Houses, farmland and bridges in Arakan State’s Maungdaw, Thandwe, Mrauk-U and Minbya townships were damaged by floods in July and August.