Yangon hit by flash flood alerts as dams overflow

DVB

Heavy rains have triggered flash flood warnings across Yangon, with water spilling over dams and creeks inundating low‑lying neighbourhoods. At least seven wards in Hlegu Township, 42 kilometres north of the city, were flooded on Wednesday after the Nga Moe Yeik Creek rose sharply.

Authorities confirmed that the Nga Moe Yeik Reservoir overflowed by around 2.5 feet on 3 September, prompting evacuation alerts for residents along the creek. The Mahura Dam has also exceeded its spillway by 1.5 feet, while Paunglin Dam is nearing full capacity, raising fears of wider flooding.

Warnings now extend to multiple townships including North and South Okkalapa, North and South Dagon, Thingangyun, Thaketa, Dawbon, Pazundaung and Mingalar Taung Nyunt. Local officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for possible evacuation and to monitor updates closely.

Residents say the situation could deteriorate if rain continues. “The condition will worsen if the rain continues in the upcoming days,” one Hlegu local told DVB. Another warned that low‑lying areas of the town were already struggling to cope with rising water.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has forecast scattered to widespread thunderstorms in Yangon and neighbouring Bago between 6 and 9 September, heightening concerns that floodwaters could spread further.

Yangon’s flood risk has been compounded by the combination of overflowing reservoirs and swollen creeks, leaving communities exposed to sudden surges. With several dams already at or near capacity, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the city faces more severe inundation.

For now, the flash flood warnings remain in place, and residents are being advised to move belongings to higher ground, secure vehicles and assist vulnerable neighbours. The authorities stress that preparedness is essential as the monsoon rains show no sign of easing.

-2026-09-07