Heavy rain devastates 2 regions in Myanmar

Heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday has destroyed some roads, bridges and buildings in two regions of northwestern Sagaing and central Magway, official media confirmed Sunday. The torrential rain in Sagaing's Hsalingyi knocked down two creek bridges -- Taungyamar and Thamaryoe, forcing people from 635 houses in three villages to be evacuated to monasteries on hillocks. Two houses in Wadawgyi village were destroyed, leaving 25 people homeless, said the New Light of Myanmar. Monywa-Shwebo motor way in the region was flooded. Some sections of the wall of two monasteries in Myaynigon village in Pale township collapsed. Another collapsed bridge of Hsinka has halted traffic on Monywa- Yagyi-Lalewa road in Kani township, the report said, adding that roads in Khin Oo, Kalay, Shwebo, Myinmu and Kanbalu townships were submerged. In Pakkoku township, the Shwechaung creek flood destroyed 120 houses including one monastery. Flood water wiped out the Kyarpike and Hsinsar creek bridges, entering homes in Salin, Gangaw, Seikphyu and Myaing townships. Some sections of railroad and motor road were submerged. Relief measures including distribution of drinking water, chlorinating lakes and wells to avoid outbreak of cholera and providing cash and kind to flood victims are being carried out by local healthcare groups and repair work for collapsed bridges and damaged roads is underway by the state.