Strong EI Nino to break high temperature record this year in Myanmar: expert

A powerful EI Nino affecting Myanmar this year will be the strongest in five centuries and is expected bring a record high temperature in the country, said a noted and retired Myanmar meteorology and hydrology expert Saturday.

In an interview with Xinhua, U Tun Lwin, recalled that in 1997-98, Myanmar experienced a record high temperature with that in the central part of the country rising to as high as 47.2 degree Celsius, while Yangon remained as 42.5 degree Celsius. This year's EI Nino will be even more stronger than in 1997-98, he said.

The temperature in Myanmar's central part such as Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway regions is predicted to stand at at least 45 degree Celsius, while Yangon region will be at least 41 degree Celsius, he said.

At this time as of Feb. 20, a very high Ultra-Violet (UV) index existed and will reach an extreme point in the summer which will start next month, he said, warning that all of these factors could harm people's health.

Due to EI Nino, the fall of monsoon will be delayed in southern part of Tanintharyi region and Mon state to around May 20, while the fall of monsoon in the central part is not estimable and the northern part is expected by June 1, he further forecast, adding that the EI Nino will last until June.

Meanwhile, Myanmar authorities are preparing for fight against EI Nino, seeking ways and means for risk reduction.

The threatening EI Nino has drawn attention of the parliament with the House of Representatives (Lower House) adopting an important proposal urging the government to adopt risk mitigation measures against ill-effects of EI Nino .

The public are being advised to transport water and tube wells to rural areas where it could face a scarcity of water due to drought caused by EI Nino.

The government warned those involved in agriculture, food security, water supply, electricity, health, fishery, water transportation and tourist sector to take precautionary measures.

The Myanmar Rice Federation has urged the government to buy rice to bolster the state reserve, while the Myanmar Fishery Federation warned of the impact on fish farming, calling for necessary measures to be undertaken to avoid possible loss due to high temperature.

Local non-governmental organizations in regions and states are also bracing for EI Nino with plans to supply water to villages in summer. Enditem