Yangon, July 22 (IANS) Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) on Wednesday warned of potential flooding in parts of Sagaing region after water levels in the Chindwin River reached or exceeded danger levels in two towns.
According to the DMH, the Chindwin River in Paungbyin reached its danger mark on Wednesday and is expected to rise by about six inches over the next 24 hours. In Homalin, the river has already exceeded its danger level and is forecast to remain above the threshold during the same period.
The DMH urged residents living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Homalin and Paungbyin townships in Sagaing region to take precautionary measures against possible flooding.
In its 10-day forecast issued on Tuesday, the DMH predicted widespread rainfall and isolated heavy rain across many parts of Myanmar. It also warned that water levels in several major rivers, including the Ayeyarwady, Chindwin, Sittaung and Thanlwin rivers, could rise by as much as seven feet in affected townships during the forecast period.
The DMH on Wednesday warned of potential extreme weather events in the coming months as El Nino conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
“We have been issuing updates on El Nino since it first developed under weak conditions. It has now reached a moderate level and is expected to become very strong by the end of this year,” U Hla Tun, a director from the DMH, told Xinhua news agency.
The DMH also reported that, according to forecasts from international meteorological agencies based on numerical weather prediction models, strong El Nino conditions may develop in August, with very strong El Nino conditions expected by the end of 2026.
Although El Nino occurs in the Pacific Ocean, its impacts can lead to irregular rainfall, higher daytime temperatures, abnormal storm activity, drought and other extreme weather events during summer, the DMH said.
–IANS
/as