A landslide at Thephyugone village, Paung Township in Myanmar killed 21 people and left 42 injured yesterday morning, according to the Immigration and Human Resources Minister from Mon State.
“According to the latest report released yesterday evening, total of 21 bodies were found and 42 injured patients were sent to the Paung Township’s Hospital and Mawlamyaing General Hospital. About 16 houses were covered in the mud due. Moreover, the vehicles were blown out due to landslide’s momentum. Now, the rescue operations are being carried out,” said Tun Min Aung, Regional Minister of Immigration and Human Resources in Mon State.
“Although we went to safer place in the morning to avoid the flooding, we turned back because lampposts were felled. Meanwhile, landslide took place and then houses were covered in mud and vehicles were dragged away. We rescued a monk and a child and sent them to the hospital. But, the monk died. There were many deaths and injuries. I think, many victims still remained in the mud. We found that there were about 17 bodies,” said Ann Kuu from Thephyugone village.
As the mountainside of Ma-Lat mountain collapsed due to heavy rain in Paung Township, Mon State, the road section on Yangon-Mawlamyaung Highway was covered with soil about 2-ft high.
“When we arrived at the accident, houses and vehicles collapsed under the soil. We rescued people and sent them to the nearby clinic and hospital. At present, we don’t know exactly how many people are missing. I think, some victims may be floating in the heavy rain,” said Nay Win from Natsingone village.
“We heard the landslide’s news about 8am on Friday. In some families, one or two were alive. In my cousin’s family, only my cousin and niece were alive and the remaining three family members died. Many villagers may be covered in the mud,” said Hla Myint from Ye Pyar Gone village.
The administrator from Ye Pyar Gone village also said that about 10 houses collapsed under the soil and some vehicles were blown out. Seven bodies had already been found.
“As landslide took place, I run away together with my children. The incident took place at about 7:30 am yesterday. Nearly 20 houses including vehicles were covered in mud. Many villagers are still missing. The rescue activities are being carried out,” said Ohnmar from Mayansan village.
At present, the authorities are clearing the soils and debris by using heavy machineries as well as the military men, firefighters and social organizations from Paung, Thahtone, Belin and Kyaikhto Townships are searching the missing people.
