By Kantarawaddy Times
The Moebye Dam continues to release water, causing flooding in Moebye, Dee Maw Hso, and Loikaw, located along the Shan-Karenni border. Loikaw City and Moebye area face transportation difficulties, according to residents.
The flooding is a consequence of the aftermath of the Raghi storm and heavy rains in Southern Shan State, which flowed into the Moebye Dam. Subsequently, water releases from the Moebye Dam have caused the Balu Chaung river to rise.
The flooding has displaced at least 8 villages along the Shan-Karenni border.
“The water levels can continue to rise. When we asked about the situation in the neighboring areas, we learned that the water levels there are still high. They haven’t receded. Moreover, we heard that the Moebye Dam is still releasing water. The flooding is severe. It seems that the Moebye Dam will take a long time to empty. In Moebye, the people have evacuated from the beginning. The major highway between Warrikawkhhoo and Moebye is submerged in two places. It’s about three feet deep, making it impossible for vehicles to pass,” reported a resident of Dee Maw Hso.
A Loikaw resident said that the Balu Chaung river, flowing through the city center, is rising by 3 to 6 inches daily.
On September 25th, the main bridge in Loikaw city center and the Shan-side bridge were closed to traffic.
“The bridge near the two-story market (main bridge) is flooded and closed. People can’t even walk across it. The Shan-side bridge is open for pedestrians, but cars are not allowed. Currently, the Daw Noe Kue bridge is the only one open to vehicles, but only to the top of the bridge and the Daw Noe Kue ward office. If you want to go anywhere else, you need to take a boat provided by the Fire Department on this side. The water has reached waist level in the city, and it’s still rising,” reported a Loikaw resident.
Due to transportation difficulties in the city, access to other bridges connecting the two sides of the Balu Chaung river is also closed, potentially impacting trade and commerce.
“People from the Shan side won’t be able to buy anything because the Balu Chaung is effectively divided. Things are getting difficult. The flow of goods will also be affected. The Fire Department’s boats probably won’t be able to transport goods either,” said the resident.
Several neighborhoods within the city, including Minsu, Shan side, Daw Noe Khu, Nam Kong, Shwetaung, Dawtama, Zayepine, Monpya, Daw Oo Khu, Laudhama, Dhamaryoo, Mingala, Yeynikan, Chikel, and the lower part of Minelong, along with villages surrounding the city are experiencing severe flooding, with houses submerged in water.
The ThiriMingalar Market in Loikaw, where residents usually sell and buy goods, has also been flooded, forcing vendors to relocate and sell their goods elsewhere.
