Thanlwin and Sittoung River Levels Exceed Danger Marks

WATER levels on the Thanlwin and Sittoung rivers have risen above the danger marks at Hpa-an and Madauk, respec­tively, and are forecast to rise further over the next 24 hours, according to the Department of Me­teorology and Hydrology (DMH).

The Thanlwin River at Hpa-an is currently about one foot and 10 inches above the danger mark and is expected to rise by another three inches over the next 24 hours, remaining above the danger level.

Meanwhile, the Sit­toung River at Madauk has exceeded the danger mark by about two feet and nine inches and is forecast to rise by a fur­ther two inches over the next 24 hours.

The DMH has urged people living near river­banks and in low-lying ar­eas of Hpa-an Township and Madauk to move to safer locations in ad­vance.

Separately, a low-pressure area re­mains over the northern coastal areas of West Bengal and northern Odisha in India, adjacent to the north-western Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours and move west-north-westwards, potentially crossing northern Odis­ha and West Bengal. — TWA/ST