People living near rivers and low-lying areas in some states and regions have been urged to evacuate as the water level in rivers has exceeded the danger level, the Disaster Management Committee said Sunday.

The rivers where the water level had risen to the danger level included Sittoung River, Shwegyin River, Bago River and Thanlwin River, and these levels would continue to rise over the next two days, the committee said.

The flood has threatened the areas of Hpa-an, Toungoo, Bilin, Shwegyin and Madauk in Kayin state, Mon state and Bago region respectively.

The water level of Sittoung River at Madauk and Bago River at Bago hit a record high of 2 feet above its danger level on Saturday, the first time in 54 years.

Flood triggered by strong wind and heavy rainfall in recent days has also caused damage and losses across the country, including Nay Pyi Taw, Shan state, Kayin state, Bago region and Rakhine state, according to Myanmar News Agency.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar National Airlines is increasing its flights from Yangon to Mawlayine and Dawei in Mon state and Tanintharyi region on Monday to facilitate transport links to the flood-hit areas.