Aug 3, 2009 (DVB), Torrential rain in western Burma has forced the evacuation of over 300 homes, with some areas experiencing five feet of rain, state-run media reported on Saturday.

Heavy rains hit Arakan state's Thandwe and An townships on 29 July and continued over the weekend, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported.

"Over 300 households in the flood-hit wards and village were evacuated to safe places," it said, adding that relief measures were being taken by local authorities.

"As some sections of An-Sittway and An-Tutaung motorways were submerged, the vehicles faced delays of some hours on the motorways."

A flood warning in today's New Light of Myanmar said that Shwegyin river was currently one foot above its danger, while the Sittoung river was 2.5 feet above danger level.

"It may remain above its danger level (1070) cm during the next (48) hours commencing noon today," it said.

Reporting by Francis Wade