Landslide traps hundreds of vehicles on Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road

By Admin 28 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
28 July 2024, Gwa

A landslide occurred at a section of the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road connecting Arakan State and Ayeyarwady Region due to incessant heavy rains in recent days.

“Hundreds of vehicles and motorbikes were trapped after a landslide triggered by massive rains at a section between mileposts 4 and 5 on the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road on Sunday,” said a resident of Gwa.

The Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road has cracks and is dangerous in some places due to the heavy recent rains, with travellers being warned to take extra precautions if attempting to transit the route. Mileposts 16 and 17 on the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road are reportedly showing significant deterioration.

“This section of the [Gwa-Ngathainggyaung] road is a common road in Arakan State. Due to the battle for control of Thandwe, this road is the road used by locals when they flee to mainland Myanmar, and it is raining these days, so drivers need to drive carefully,” said a social activist in Gwa Township.

Landslides are an active concern during the rainy season due to the construction of roads through the mountains of Arakan State, and the weather of late is adding to the risks. During the continuous heavy rains, travellers are being advised to be careful when using the mountain roads.

Heavy rains have also triggered flooding in Arakan State’s Thandwe Taungup and Gwa townships, according to residents.