Heavy Rains in Upper Kachin State Cause Rising Water Levels in Ayeyarwady River

Pajau Media

April 25, 2025

Locals reported that heavy rains in upper Kachin State cause rising water levels in Ayeyarwady river.

Heavy rainfall in upper Kachin State has led to rising water levels in the Ayeyarwady River, according to residents in Myitkyina.

"Until yesterday, there were trucks transporting sand and rocks, as well as bridge construction workers, under the Bala Min Htin Bridge. But when we checked this morning, the entire area was completely submerged," a resident of Waingmaw reported.

Although sand and rock extraction operations and small-scale gold mining typically take place along the riverbanks during low water levels, these activities have now been suspended due to the rising river.

In Putao, rain continues to fall. "It's been raining here for the past few days, though not too heavily in our area. But I don’t know about other places—it might be pouring there. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go check how much the water has risen near Mali Hka," said a woman living in Putao Township.

An official from Kachin State’s Meteorology and Hydrology Department stated that the Ayeyarwady River has been fluctuating slightly in recent days. However, starting from the evening of April 23 and continuing into the morning of April 24, water levels rose rapidly, increasing by a total of about 11 feet. As of 12:30 p.m. today, the water has begun to recede gradually.

Weather forecasts indicate that cloud cover and thunderstorms are expected in northern Myanmar and the upper Ayeyarwady region, including Putao District, with moderate rainfall likely.

The river is currently just 598 cm (about 19.5 feet) below the danger level of 1,200 cm. Authorities have issued a warning for farmers and residents living in low-lying areas and riverine islands along the Ayeyarwady to stay alert.

News- Zaw