Rising water levels on the Zami River in Kyainseikgyi Township, Karen State, have left hundreds of vehicles unable to cross due to strong currents, according to local residents.
The Zami River began rising on July 11 and had risen 23 feet 3 inches above normal by July 13, Kyainseikgyi residents said.
A Mudon-Payathonzu driver said hundreds of vehicles heading to and from Payathonzu (Payathonzu) have been lined up at the Htanaung and Yaylell riverbanks, with more than 50 passenger vehicles forced to turn back.
“People are having to switch vehicles twice to get across. They wait for another car on the other side of the bank. They cross by boat from the Wathalay road section to the vehicle road on the other bank. When the Zami River rises like this, the water surrounds everything, so it’s not easy to cross by car,” he said.
Travelers have had to spend the night along the road due to the weather conditions, causing further difficulties.
A Wathalay resident said rising water levels and damaged roads during the rainy season have also forced people to transport passengers and goods by boat on the Naungparel and Hlaingkanni road sections.
“Only high-clearance vehicles can still get through. The road is in bad condition. Cargo trucks have stopped coming altogether. Some people wait, thinking they might be able to pass later, but travelers may end up having to spend the night on the road,” he said.
Hundreds of passenger and cargo vehicles travel the Mudon-Payathonzu road daily, and road damage during the rainy season regularly causes travel disruptions each year.
Drivers are urging travelers to check road conditions before setting out during the current period of heavy rain and rising river levels.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said on July 13 that Mon and Karen states could see scattered heavy rain through July 20 due to a strengthened monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The department has warned that the 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.
