By Zwe Ko / MPA

Due to the rising water levels of the Sittaung River, certain villages and low-lying urban areas in Taungoo Township are experiencing flooding again, according to humanitarian organizations.

Since 3 October 2024, the water level of the Sittaung River has continued to rise, and residents of Taungoo Town are now facing their fourth flood this year.

The increase in water levels has led to flooding in more than 10 villages along the Sittaung River, including Auk Kyuet Tan, Myit Kyi Pauk, Kyathlar Sun, Alet Kyun, and Shan Wati. Residents of these villages, as well as those in no.10 ward of Taungoo, have been advised to relocate to flood relief centers, according to a responsible person of a local humanitarian organization in Taungoo.

“Humanitarian groups are coordinating to help relocate people. We are urging the public to move to safer areas. Although this flooding may not be as severe as previous events, some low-lying areas are already submerged with over 6 feet of water level,” said the official. 

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the State Administration Council (SAC) also announced on the morning of 4 October that the water level of the Sittaung River in Taungoo Township had exceeded the warning water level by about two inches. However, it is expected to recede by about one inch within the next 24 hours.

“The water level might remain high for another two days, until around 6 October. After that, it should recede. Many people are anxious because of the extensive damage caused by previous floods. Evacuations are already underway,” said a volunteer involved in the flood relief efforts.

During the previous flooding in September, nearly the entire township of Taungoo was affected, with damage to houses and paddy fields. Additionally, there were reports of fatalities, according to a 40-year-old male resident of Taungoo.

“This time, we are trying to prepare in advance to prevent the same scale of disaster. As soon as the water began rising, people started relocating. Humanitarian groups are also helping to evacuate residents. Currently, two relief centers have been set up at the old TTC School and Pawtawmu Pagoda, accommodating over 700 people,” he said.

In the aftermath of the September flooding, local authorities under SAC had instructed flood victims staying in relief camps to return to their homes by 25 October 2024, according to a local political activist.

“The reason given by the authorities is that the schools and monasteries where the relief camps are located need to reopen. They have also mentioned that festivals will soon be held at the monasteries. Some people do not want to return because they have no homes to go back to but they are forced. The authorities’ main concern seems to be the ongoing census collection,” the activist explained.

There have been no fewer than four flooding events in Taungoo Township in 2024, resulting in the deaths of more than 10 people and extensive damage to tens of thousands of acres of crops.

During the heavy rains brought by Cyclone Ragi in September, widespread landslides, flash floods, and riverbank erosion caused the deaths of 436 people. An additional 66 people were swept away and remain missing, while over 180,000 livestock perished. Nearly 900,000 acres of farmland were also destroyed, according to a statement released by SAC  on 1 October 2024.