Sagaing Resident Dies During Heavy Winds

By Zarni Mann 6 April 2016

MANDALAY — Heavy winds and rain killed one local and destroyed dozens of homes in Kale Township, Sagaing Division, on Tuesday night.

According to the police, Min Thu Wai, 29, died when a tree collapsed on top of him in the city of Kale, sometimes known as Kalaymyo.

“He and his friend were on their way home when the winds came,” said an official from the Kale police station. “His friend Arkar Hein survived. But he died on the spot, because the tree fell directly onto his head.”

The police said recovery work was underway and the scope and amount of the damage was still being assessed.

“We believe at least 50 homes were affected,” said the official. “However, we are still confirming and we can’t announce the exact figure yet.”

According to locals, heavy winds battered the town for about 15 minutes and left the downtown littered with debris.

“Broken trees filled the roads, and roofs were torn off homes,” said resident Aung Thu Htun. “There was no electricity in the town because the electric lines were cut when the trees fell.”

Locals say this week’s windstorm was the second largest natural disaster they had ever experienced, after the severe flooding last year, when monsoon rains affected thousands in the region and millions nationwide.