Heavy rains damage sections of Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road

By Admin 27 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
27 July 2024, Gwa

The Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road connecting Arakan State and Ayeyarwady Region has cracks and is dangerous in some places due to incessant 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.

“It has been raining continuously for one week, and we are worried that the roads through the mountains will collapse. Now the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road is about to collapse, so there is no way for cars and motorcycles to go there,” said a resident of Gwa.

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.

“In Arakan State, most of the roads are built through the mountains, so in the rainy season, the roads can collapse due to heavy rain. Therefore, people will have to travel with caution,” said a social activist in Gwa Township.

Residents and displaced people in Gwa Township are worried that the Gwa-Ngathainggyaung road will become impassable, which could halt the flow of goods and increase prices.

About 20,000 IDPs from Thandwe Township are currently taking refuge in Gwa and Kyeintali towns, and most are in need of food assistance.

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

The Arakkha Army (AA) said in a statement on Saturday morning that the water level of Thu Htay Chaung hydropower project had exceeded its danger level, urging local people from nearby villages to evacuate to safer locations.