The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned that Mon State could see scattered heavy rain through July 20 due to a strengthened monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, according to a forecast issued on July 13.
Heavy rain across the state has caused the Bilin River to rise, flooding low-lying wards and villages along the riverbank in Bilin Township.
More than 1,600 people from four low-lying wards in Bilin town and over 20 riverside villages have been relocated to safer areas, according to social rescue workers.
Nine temporary relief camps have been set up in Bilin town for people affected by the flooding.
The Bilin River rose above its danger level on July 12, but the water level dropped slightly on the morning of July 13, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.
However, a social rescue worker in Bilin said residents in low-lying areas still need to stay alert, as continued rain could cause the river to rise again.
“The Bilin River level started dropping yesterday evening. By this morning, it was back below the danger mark. If it doesn’t rain more, the water will keep going down, and people who were relocated can go home. We just need to keep watching the weather,” he said.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has also warned that heavy rain could bring additional hazards, including strong winds, flash floods, and landslides, and urged residents in highland areas to watch for landslide risks and those living near small rivers and streams to stay alert for flooding.
