29 July
The risk of flooding looms increasingly large along the Ayeyawady River.
According to the (14:30) hrs M.S.T observation yesterday, the water level of the Ayeyawady River at Hinthada in Ayeyawady Delta, is expected to reach its danger level next three days and at Pakokku in central Myanmar next two days.
The water of the swollen in central Myanmar would gush downstream in the coming days and cause river flooding.
Floods aren’t a new problem, of course. Too many factors are involved, including local geography, ground cover, long-term precipitation and climate change.
Floods are the most common natural disaster in Myanmar, especially in rainy season, capable of striking almost any river or creek.
Besides, monsoon rain brings not only floods but also landslides in hilly areas in Myanmar. When torrential rain falls, people must remain on the alert for flash floods and landslides near hilly areas and also small rivers, according to the weather bureau.
To reduce the losses, disaster preparedness should begin at the grass root level, but ministries and regional authorities must take a leading role in the drive.
People, especially in risk areas, are urged to heed the warnings that are given to them. We do not want to lose lives to the disasters. These are avoidable tragedies.
In fact, floods pose all the people with direct impacts including injuries and drowning.
Beyound these immediate risks, floods cause hindrances to safe drinking water supplies and damage sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of diarrhea and other disease outbreaks, as well as impacting children’s access to education.
The main rule for staying safe during a flood is to never willingly go near the water, whether on foot or in a car.
Electrocution is another dangerous side effect of flooding, one more reason to stay away from the water. Avoid and report any downed power lines and electrical wires, and consider turning off your home’s electricity and checking around for gas leaks.
Infection and disease can be major problems during a flood as well as long afterward. While water levels are still high, an array of contaminants can be mixed in with the flood, ranging from untreated sewage to toxic chemicals.
People must be alerted to approaching disasters, including storms and earthquakes, and should prepare “full precautions” and take “necessary action” to protect themselves and their property from gale-force winds and lightning.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has also established hotline numbers 067-340466 and 067-3404777 to help the victims of disasters.
We are confident that collaboration and cooperation between regional authorities and the people will ensure safety from natural disasters during the COVID-19 crisis.
