Effectively overcoming monsoon-season natural disasters

 

FLOODS are considered the most frequent natural disaster globally, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of all natural disasters worldwide. Over the past two decades, an average of 400 million people per year around the world have been affected by flooding. Myanmar is also one of the countries vulnerable to various natural disasters, and flooding is the most common type of natural disaster that occurs in the country.

 

This year in Myanmar, due to heavy and continuous rainfall during the monsoon season, flooding has affected farmlands and villages across the country. Some rivers and creeks have even exceeded the warning levels, causing significant concern. As a result, people have suffered losses of life, homes, and property due to flooding. To reduce the damage, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has been promptly issuing weather forecasts and warn­ings, ensuring that the public receives timely and accurate information to stay safe.

 

According to the short-term forecast issued by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on 22 July, the Ayeyawady River at Nyaun­gU, Pakokku, Chauk, Zalun and Hinthada townships has exceeded the warning level, and the Sittoung River has also surpassed the warning level at Madauk, the Toe River at Maubin Township, Shweg­yin River at Shwegyin Town­ship and the Ngawun River at Ngathainggyoung Town­ship. Therefore, residents living near the riverbanks and low-lying areas are being urged by relevant authorities to evacuate to safer areas to avoid flood risks.

 

Due to the recent rising water levels of the Ayeyawady River and the upper Chindwin River areas, among other places within the country, there is a potential risk of flooding as a natural disaster. Therefore, preparations must be made accordingly. In addition, before the flood risk occurs, essential supplies such as medicine, food, drinking water, and other necessities should be adequately gathered.

 

Since flooding as a natural disaster can be predicted to some extent, warnings and alerts have been issued. People living in high-risk areas such as the banks of the Ayeyawady River, the banks of the Chindwin River, and low-lying regions should carefully follow weather reports, natural disaster warnings, and health advisories. By doing so, the impact and losses caused by flood-related natural disasters can be minimized.

 

Therefore, the people in urban and rural areas across Myan­mar should be aware and understand the health problems that may arise along with floods and flood disasters in their regions. By being cautious and well-prepared, they can face flood-related natural disasters in a healthy and resilient manner.