Over 10,000 people evacuated in southern Myanmar due to flooding

YANGON, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A total of 10,395 people from 2,298 households were evacuated to 24 temporary rescue shelters due to flooding in Hpa-an township of Kayin state, the state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television reported on Wednesday night.

The evacuation was carried out by members of disaster management committees, firefighters, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, and community-based organizations on Wednesday as the Thanlwin River rose above danger levels following heavy rain, the report said.

According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on Thursday, the river in Hpa-an has risen to about six feet above the danger level and is expected to remain at risk for another day.

The Kayin State Government, along with donors, is providing basic food supplies, while the Ministry of Health is delivering medical treatment and services, the report said. ■