25 September,2024
According to U Win Naing, who monitors weather and climate change processes, heavy rain has been forecasted for today, September 24th, and tomorrow, September 25th, in the flooded Inlay region of southern Shan State and nearby areas.
If it rains heavily, the water level can rise significantly in areas such as Heho, Nyaung Shwe, Inpaoukhone, and Intein. Three days ago, floods damaged the Intein-Aung Pan (HmawBi) road bridge, which is currently being reconstructed as a reinforced concrete bridge.
A Taunggyi Township Red Cross Association official stated, “Many flood victims are taking refuge in monasteries. Many of these monasteries were constructed on elevated ground, which helped them withstand the rising waters of the Inn. The houses in the Inn are also two-story structures built on stilts, but the lower floors are submerged, and the upper floors are uncomfortable due to the weight of gravity, prompting people to seek shelter in the monasteries. The water level has not yet receded. Today, it is already raining in Taunggyi, so if the water from above continues to flow down, we can expect the water level to rise further,” he informed MT News.
Locals reported that even during the typical rainy season in the Inle region, the water level in Inle rises by nearly 5 to 7 feet. However, the average water level of Inle Lake has been affected by deforestation in the watershed areas over the past few years. The ecological system has also suffered significant damage due to the plantations on Mud Island, including floating hotels in the lake.
“I’ve never faced a situation like this until I was over 30. The situation is dire. There are dead and missing individuals. According to the current list, there are already more than 11. I haven’t received the complete list yet. It is estimated that there may still be more,” said an official from the Taunggyi Township Red Cross Society regarding the circumstances they encountered during the rescue efforts in the Inle region.
The Inle region’s water area is 24 square miles, the plantation area covers 8 square miles, and approximately 190,000 people reside in the region. Based on the current water conditions, the lake’s recovery period may take nearly three months, as local community organizations experienced when assisting.
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