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10/21/11 (AEIN) A strong storm damaged buildings and infrastructure in parts of Myanmar on Wednesday and Thursday. Some structures lost their roofs and bridges were temporarily flooded, the official New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported late Thursday.
The Saw, Htilin and Gangaw townships experienced damage to a number of buildings and roads. At least four bridges were harmed and people in parts of Gangaw had to evacuate their homes. The storm interrupted transportation and communications in some areas.
A bridge monastery and five pagodas were largely ruined in Nyaungu, while a market in Sittway lost its roof. Fortunately, no one was killed or seriously injured. The government has begun working to repair damage and restore normal transportation.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology warned late Thursday that squalls could be expected near the Rakhine Coast and potentially heavy rain or thunderstorms would occur in the eastern regions of Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Rakhine and Chin.
Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is located in southeast Asia and borders India. It has so far been spared the worst of severe flooding which has hit the neighboring countries of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in recent weeks.