Heavy rains trigger flooding in Taungup, Thandwe and Gwa

By Admin 25 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
25 July, 2024

Heavy rains have triggered flooding in Arakan State’s Taungup, Thandwe and Gwa townships, according to residents.

Several wards in Taugup Town as well as nearby villages have been hit by floods, said residents.

“Low-lying areas and places close to creeks are inundated. Water levels have risen as high as 6 feet in places close to creeks and as high as 3 feet in places far from creeks,” said a flood victim.

Taungup Creek has been above its danger level since Thursday morning, and the water level continued to rise as of noon, said residents.

Two wards and several villages have been flooded in Thandwe Township, where the regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) are battling for control of a coastline that includes Myanmar’s once-premier beach destination, Ngapali.

“Lakes used to store drinking water could get contaminated if water levels continue to rise. In that case, there is a risk of a cholera outbreak. People can no longer endure the miseries of war and natural disasters. They have been in serious trouble,” said a Thandwe resident.

Heavy rains also triggered flooding in rural parts of Gwa Township. Many residents from Thandwe who have fled fighting are currently sheltering in Gwa Township.

One Kyeintali resident said: “Displaced people have already been suffering from hardships. And floods have compounded their miseries.”

Communications are also down in flood-hit areas, hampering rescue and relief efforts, according to residents.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) strong monsoon winds over the Bay of Bengal meant the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall in Arakan State.