Rai Maraoh – Families in Hpa-an Township in Karen State are still living in relief camps as the level of Salween River (Thanlwin River) has been above the danger level for over a week.
The level of Salween River has exceeded its danger level following three weeks of continuous rain. Many homes in the town have been flooded, and thousands of flood victims have been sheltering at schools, monasteries, and stadiums since 5 August.
According to the New Light of Myanmar on August 7, the water level of Salween River has exceeded its safety level by 83 centimeters (about 2.7 feet). Victims do not dare to go back their homes until the water level has significantly reduced.
“They still do not want to go back, even though the water level has reduced a bit, because they are worrying it will increase during the coming full moon. And the Salween River is still significantly above its danger level,” said resident from quarter No. 2 in Hpa-an.
According to town residents, small social groups and private donors have helped provide food for the flood victims. In addition, Vice-President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo came to visit them on August 6.
“U Tin Aung Myint Oo came and gave foodstuff and candles, but it wasn’t enough,” said a resident from quarter No. 2.
The residents said Hpa-an has eight quarters, with each quarter having a population of between 100-to-500.
A mother of a student in Hpa-an said, “The number of flood victims is about 2,000. They have been staying at monasteries, some schools, and two stadiums temporarily since 3 August.”
She added that schools have been closed since 5 August, although some government high schools reopened on 8 August 8. The primary schools where the flood victims are temporarily sheltered have not re-opened yet.
According to a release from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the water lever of Salween River at Hpa-an town has reached 935 centimeters, and this is the second-highest water level in the past 46 years.
Dr. Tun Lwin of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said the increasing water level of Salween River is mainly due to the strong, heavy rain, and it could also be caused by climate change.
