Monsoonal Flooding

Myanmar

On 07 August 2024

Source: (1)ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (2)Department of Agricultural Land Management and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture [SLRD], Myanmar.

References:

• https://ahacentre.org/flash-update/flash-update-no-02-monsoonal-flooding-myanmar-7-august-2024/
• https://www.moezala.gov.mm/

Heavy monsoon rains from August 7 to 10, 2024, have led to significant flooding across 14 regions in Myanmar, with over 500,000 hectares of land impacted. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) warns of further weather challenges, including potential La Niña conditions.

The intense rainfall, fueled by the monsoon, has caused severe flooding across Myanmar, affecting regions such as Nay Pyi Taw, Kachin, Kayin, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Rakhine, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, and Shan. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) reports the possible formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, with rain or thundershowers expected to exceed normal levels in Northern Shan from August 1 to 10, 2024. Additionally, extended periods of rain are anticipated in Naypyitaw, Upper Sagaing, Bago, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Taninthayi, Kachin, Shan, Chin, Rakhine, Kayah, Kayin, and Mon.The ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC) forecasts the development of La Niña conditions between August and September 2024, potentially bringing wetter and cooler weather to the ASEAN region, further complicating the situation.

According to the Settlement and Land Records Department (SLRD), as of August 10, 2024, monsoonal flooding has affected 13 regions, with a total of 504,030 hectares of land flooded. Of this, 231,910 hectares have been impacted, and 71,235 hectares have suffered damage.

Efforts to mitigate the damage are ongoing, with information on flooded, affected, and damaged areas being collected and disseminated promptly by the Settlement and Land Records Department. Regional and state governments, alongside relevant ministries and departments, are implementing countermeasures to manage the flooding. Despite the severity of the situation, systematic efforts by regional and state governments are expected to minimize the impact on agricultural production. Assistance from international governments or organizations has not yet been reported, but local authorities are continuing their efforts to manage the crisis effectively.