The Impact of Floods on the Socio-Economic Activities of Yangon

Abstract

Yangon is the largest city in Lower Myanmar and principal seaport. It is also the country’s main center for trade, industry, real estate, media, entertainment and tourism. The city alone represents about one-fifth of the national economy. As the population of Yangon is growing fast, local authorities face urgent challenges to improve the water supply, sanitation and drainage. Increasing the water quality and facilities, in order to offer access to safe drinking water in every household and building, is urgent. At present the city still encounters problems such as urban flooding and traffic congestion especially during the monsoon. Now, the authorities try to solve these problems. The impact of flooding is driven by a combination of natural and human-induced factors such as the inadequate drainage system and waste disposal. The objectives of this research are to examine the causes and effects of flooding on the environment and socio-economic activities of the people of Yangon city to highlight measures to improve the health and living conditions of the residents, and propose measures to improve the economic functioning of the city. Descriptive survey design is adopted in this study applying qualitative methodology. Data for this study are gathered from inhabitants of the study area, personal observation and from secondary sources. This study recommends enforcement of environmental laws that will restrict dumping of waste into the water body and sponsoring of public awareness and educative programs on how human activities have contributed to flood occurrence.