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World

Forecast of heavy rains to come heightens concerns about bigger flood crisis in Myanmar

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Buddhist devotees hold umbrellas as they visit Myanmar's famous Shwedagon Pagoda in the rain during the full moon day of Waso, the fourth month of Myanmar calendar and the beginning of Buddhist Lent, Friday, July 31, 2015, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (The Associated Press)

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    Image 2 of 2

    Buddhist devotees hold umbrellas as they visit Myanmar's famous Shwedagon Pagoda in the rain during the full moon day of Waso, the fourth month of Myanmar calendar and the beginning of Buddhist Lent, Friday, July 31, 2015, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (The Associated Press)

YANGON, Myanmar – Heavy rains forecast for the next few days could worsen already dire flooding in large parts of Myanmar.

State newspapers reported Friday that President Thein Sein has urged Cabinet ministers to go out into the field to supervise flood relief operations.

The Relief and Resettlement Department estimates that between 67,000 and 110,000 people have been severely affected by flooding in the past few weeks, particularly in the Sagaing region, and Kachin and Shan states, accounting for 21 deaths in July. Farmland and houses have been damaged, and several roads and rail lines cut.

Dr. Tun Lwin, a former state meteorologist, said he believed the government should have already declared a state of emergency, since people are trapped by water in many places.