YANGON, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Meteorology and Hydrology Department issued a flood alert on Tuesday due to rising water levels in major rivers exceeding danger marks.
According to the weather agency's statement on Tuesday morning, Ayeyarwady River in Myitkyina of Kachin State is currently about 4.5 feet above its danger mark. In Hkamti Town of Sagaing Region, Chindwin River is about 5.5 feet above its danger mark, while in Homalin Town of Sagaing Region, it is about 0.5 feet above its danger mark.
The weather agency said that the water level of Ayeyarwady River is expected to drop below the danger mark within the next two days in Myitkyina. However, Chindwin River's water level is forecast to remain above the danger mark in the affected towns in the next one day.
U Hla Tun, director of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, told Xinhua on Tuesday that recent heavy rainfall has led to the rising river levels, saying that such heavy rains are typical during the current rainy season.
The weather bureau has advised residents living near river banks and in low-lying areas in the townships to take precautionary measures.
Myitkyina, the capital city of northern Myanmar's Kachin State, has seen flooding since Sunday night, according to local media reports.
Additionally, U Hla Tun said that rainfall is expected to be high during this monsoon season, raising the likelihood of more floodings. ■
