Myanmar authorities are releasing water from 12 dams and reservoirs across the country to prevent damage of the irrigation facilities in the wake of increasing water level caused by torrential rain over the past several days, an official report said Monday.

Heavy rainfall has been pouring since Wednesday in Kayin, Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Rakhine, Yangon and Ayeyawaddy states and regions, flooding nearly 40,000 acres (16,200 hectares) of summer and monsoon paddy fields.

The flood has caused damage to bridges and roads in three townships in northwestern Sagaing region, the report said, adding that rail transportation between Mandalay and Myitgyina in the north has been suspended.

Local people are being evacuated to minimize the risk of life and properties and relief camps are being opened for the flood-hit victims in Shwebo and Katha areas.