Emergency Preparedness Advised as Flood and Landslide Risks Increase in Northern Arakan and Rakhine Yoma Foothill Areas

Residents living across northern Arakan State and communities situated along the foothills of the Rakhine Yoma mountain range have been urged to take precautionary measures against possible flooding and landslides, according to a weather specialist.

While the center of the heaviest rainfall has shifted slightly from the northern Arakan coast toward Bangladesh, strong monsoon activity is expected to continue. Weather forecasts indicate that western and northern parts of Myanmar may experience sustained heavy rainfall exceeding 500 mm over the coming days.

Meteorological projections suggest that northern Rakhine State, including Sittwe, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, and Mrauk-U, faces a significant threat of extreme rainfall during the next 168 hours. Total rainfall in some areas could reach or exceed 500–600 mm.

Meteorologist U Win Naing warned that the anticipated downpours could lead to flash floods in low-lying inland regions and are highly likely to trigger landslides along roads running through the Rakhine Yoma foothills.“The sudden and intense rainfall may cause severe flooding and landslides,” he said. “Residents should remain on high alert and complete all necessary emergency preparations in advance.”

He further cautioned that strong winds and thunderstorms linked to the low-pressure system are expected to strengthen along the Rakhine coastline within the next 72 to 168 hours. These conditions could create very rough sea conditions and pose serious risks to marine travel.For safety reasons, U Win Naing strongly advised all fishing boats and vessels operating in both coastal and offshore waters to suspend navigation and avoid going to sea during this period.