Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) cautioned about potential flooding in parts of Sagaing region as water levels in the Chindwin River have reached or surpassed danger levels in two towns. The Chindwin River in Paungbyin hit its danger mark and is projected to increase by about six inches in the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, in Homalin, the river has already surpassed its danger level and is anticipated to stay above the threshold in the same timeframe.
Residents residing along riverbanks and in low-lying areas of Homalin and Paungbyin townships in Sagaing region were advised by the DMH to take preventive measures against potential flooding. The DMH’s 10-day forecast, released on Tuesday, indicated widespread rainfall and isolated heavy rain in many parts of Myanmar. It also cautioned that water levels in several major rivers, such as the Ayeyarwady, Chindwin, Sittaung, and Thanlwin rivers, could surge by as much as seven feet in affected townships during the forecast period.
The DMH highlighted the likelihood of extreme weather events in the upcoming months due to the development of El Nino conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean. U Hla Tun, a director from the DMH, informed Xinhua news agency that El Nino, which has progressed from weak to moderate conditions, is expected to intensify significantly by the year’s end. The DMH also shared reports from international meteorological agencies, suggesting that strong El Nino conditions might emerge in August, with a forecast of very strong El Nino conditions by the end of 2026.
Despite El Nino originating in the Pacific Ocean, its effects can result in irregular rainfall, elevated daytime temperatures, abnormal storm activity, drought, and other extreme weather occurrences during the summer, as per the DMH’s statement.
