A scene of the flooding in Phayarni village in Thapaung Township, Irrawaddy Region, on August 17, 2012. Some residents took refuge in Buddhist monasteries on high areas, and in tents on railway embankments and roadsides.

Water levels have been rising in the Ngawun River since the second week of this month, putting at risk the stilted homes and livelihoods of some 2,000 people in the low-lying village of Phayani in Thabaung Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

Last year in August, some 1,500 people from the village were forced to abandon their homes and take refuge in a makeshift shelter situated on high ground near the town’s railway track.

“I am not ashamed to admit we survived last year thanks to relief supplies donated by well-wishers and various organizations,” said village headman Khin Maung Tint.

He explained that most of the villagers were fishermen and that everyone in the community experiences difficulty finding firewood, rice and other foodstuffs every year during the monsoon season.

According to Myanmar’s Meteorology and Hydrology Department on July 27, the water levels will remain at danger level during the days ahead.