Kyaukphyu wades through record-setting rainfall

By DMG 18 Aug 2022

DMG Newsroom
18 August 2022, Kyaukphyu 

Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu experienced record-setting rainfall on Wednesday, according to an official from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, amid reports of widespread flooding in the town. 

Kyaukphyu logged a record 502 mm (19.76 inches) of rainfall on Wednesday, shattering the previous record of 272 mm (10.70 inches) set in 1964, said U Hla Tun, director of the department. 

“This is a consequence of rising temperatures caused by climate change,” he said, calling Wednesday’s weather an “abnormal phenomenon” that nonetheless should be taken as a warning. 

“People have to make preparations. For example, those in low-lying areas should live in tall houses, and take measures to improve drainage,” he told DMG. 

All 17 of Kyaukphyu’s urban wards were inundated, and more than 100 people were evacuated, according to residents. 

Rice and cement shops suffered losses, motorbikes were damaged and boats docked at jetties were swept away. 

“Some 40 boats moored at the jetty in Taungyin ward were swept away by floodwaters and sank. Similar incidents were also reported at other jetties,” said resident U Aung San. 

Residents blamed the lack of a proper drainage system in the town for Wednesday’s unprecedented flooding, calling on municipal authorities to take action. 

“We have never seen floods of this magnitude in Kyaukphyu,” said former Arakan State lawmaker U Poe San of Kyaukphyu Township. “It is because the drains are clogged. The municipality and concerned departments are responsible for improving the drainage system.” 

Kyaukphyu was established during colonial rule in 1829, following the first Anglo-Burmese war. The town is currently made up of 17 wards and is home to about 30,000 people, according to the 2014 national census.