FLASH UPDATE #2 – Monsoonal Flooding
Country under monitoring: Myanmar
OVERVIEW: As the effects of monsoon season in Myanmar, prolonged heavy rainfall has resulted to flooding situations in 75 townships in 10 regions (Kachin, Kayin, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Yangon and Ayeyarwady).
IMPACTS: According to DDM Myanmar as of 6 August, a total of 59K families (240K individuals) affected over Kachin, Kayin, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Yangon and Ayeyarwady. According to the report, 2 persons have been reportedly dead (1 from Kayin and 1 from Sagaing). As of 6 Aucgust, over 28K families (110K individuals) still displaced in 399 temporary evacuation centres and in their relative homes over 36 townships from Kayin, Tanintharyi, Bago, Mon, Yangon and Ayeyarwady.
WEATHER FORECAST AND FLOOD ADVISORIES:
- According to DMH Myanmar’s forecast for 1-10 August 2024, a low pressure area may form over the Bay of Bengal. Rain or thundershowers are expected to be above normal in Northern Shan. Additionally, rainy days are anticipated for 7 to 10 days in Naypyitaw, Upper Sagaing, Bago, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Taninthayi, and Kachin, Shan, Chin, Rakhine, Kayah, Kayin, and Mon.
- DMH Myanmar’s also release a flood warning for Ayeyarwady River in Hinthada and Zalun. According to the latest forecast, Ayeyarwady river in Hinthada and Zalun Townships may reach its danger level starting from 5 to 6 August 2024.
- DMH observations on 6 August at 1200 HRS UTC+7 also shows that water level for Sittoung (in Taungoo and Madauk), Bago (in Bago), Thanlwin (in Hpa-An), and Ngawun (in Ngatthaingchaung and Thabaung) Rivers has exceed its danger level.
- According to ASMC, for the period of 5-11 August, there is a moderate increase in chance of very heavy rainfall over parts of northern Myanmar such as in the areas of Kachin, Sagaing, Chin, Rakhine, Magway, Mandalay, and Shan.
- ASMC El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) monitoring system also state “La Niña Watch”. Most models predict La Niña conditions to develop during August – September 2024 and persist until the end of the year. Traditionally, La Niña will bring wetter and cooler conditions in ASEAN Region.
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE:
- As of 6 August, temporary evacuation centres in Kachin, Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay were closed as displaced population have returned from the evacuation centres.
- DDM offices in the affected area are providing the necessary assistance of Food and Non-Food Items (NFIs) in time by coordinating with the respective state/region Disaster Management Agencies.
- Authorities is also providing support for the renovation of houses damaged by the flood.
- As of 6 August, a total of 287.27K USD worth of assistance was provided to the affected community from the Government
- DMH continuously monitors and provides weather updates and flood warning / advisories.
- DDM EOC also keeps monitoring the situation and weather conditions.
The AHA Centre will continue to monitor for further developments and issue necessary updates.
DATA SOURCES
ASEAN Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS), ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet); Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global); ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC);
Myanmar: DDM, DMH;
Verified news media agencies;
