YANGON, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Severe flooding in Myanmar's western Rakhine state has affected over 10,000 people since this week, official media reported.
Triggered by continued torrential rain across the Rakhine state on Monday and Tuesday, the severe flooding hit Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Minbya townships.
The downpour has so far destroyed 11 dwellings, four bridges and one road, the report quoted local government as saying.
Flood victims have been evacuated to higher ground and sheltered at monasteries.
According to other reports, river banks in Laymyo and Kaladan burst, affecting the wards and villages in the state.
Tide level started to rise on Monday with increased heavy rain on Tuesday, pushing the rivers to burst, submerging the areas.
A total of 204 high and middle schools were also under water, causing traffic delays on Yangon-Sittway highway.
Relief supplies are being distributed to the flood-hit areas.
The flooding in Rakhine state has also ruined many shrimp ponds, reports said.
In Minbya alone, 2,935 hectares of shrimp farms or 99 percent of them have been flooded, devastating the shrimp industry.