Deep Depression Expected to Cross Between Ygn's Thongwa and Kyaikto Within Six Hours

A deep depression has intensified over the Gulf of Mottama and the Mon-Tanintharyi coastal areas and is expected to move north-northwest, crossing between Thongwa Township in Yangon Region and Kyaikto Township in Mon State within the next six hours.

According to observations at 3:30 p.m. Myanmar Standard Time on September 28, the depression that had formed over the northern Andaman Sea and adjoining areas, including the Gulf of Mottama and the Mon-Tanintharyi coastal region, moved north-northwest and intensified into a deep depression.

The deep depression was centered over the sea approximately 20 nautical miles west-southwest of Mawlamyine, 50 nautical miles east-southeast of Thongwa, and 75 nautical miles southeast of Bago.

The deep depression has been classified as being at the Red Stage, as it is expected to pass near the Gulf of Mottama. It was located at 16.4 degrees north latitude and 97.3 degrees east longitude, with a central pressure of 1,000 hectopascals and maximum winds of about 35 to 40 miles per hour.

The deep depression is expected to move north-northwest and cross between Thongwa in Yangon Region and Kyaikto in Mon State within the next six hours. It is then forecast to continue moving north-northwest over the following 36 hours, passing through Yangon Region, Bago Region and Magway Region.

Due to the influence of the deep depression, thunderstorms are expected in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon Region, Mandalay Region, Bago Region, Magway Region, Ayeyawady Region, Tanintharyi Region, Kayah State, Kayin State, Mon State, Rakhine State and southern Shan State from the evening of September 28 through September 30. Heavy rainfall is also possible in some areas and isolated locations.

Occasional squalls are expected along the Ayeyawady Delta, Gulf of Mottama, Mon-Tanintharyi coastal areas and offshore waters, with rough seas. During squalls, surface winds may reach 35 to 40 miles per hour, while wave heights could reach approximately 10 to 12 feet in the Ayeyawady Delta, Gulf of Mottama, along the Mon-Tanintharyi coast and offshore waters.

Along the Rakhine coast and offshore waters, occasional squalls are also expected, with moderate to rough seas. Winds during squalls may reach 25 to 30 miles per hour, while wave heights could reach approximately 8 to 10 feet.

The Meteorology and Hydrology Department has warned that the deep depression could bring heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, flash floods and landslides. Residents in the Ayeyawady Delta, Gulf of Mottama and coastal areas have been advised to remain alert to heavy rain, squalls and sudden flooding.

Domestic aviation services, as well as nearshore and offshore fishing vessels and ships operating along the Myanmar coast and in offshore waters, have also been advised to take precautionary measures and avoid the hazardous conditions.