Myanmar warns of flood risks in Sagaing region amid Chindwin River water surge

YANGON, July 22 (Xinhua) -- 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. Enditem