Arakan News Agency | Exclusive
Truck traffic has been halted on multiple sections of the highway connecting “Buthidaung” and “Maungdaw” townships, on Sunday, due to landslides and damage caused by heavy rains and floods, Arakan News Agency correspondent reported.
Residents said that the Arakan Army (separatist), which controls most parts of the state, partially banned truck traffic on the road after several landslides occurred in parts of the road, making it extremely dangerous for travelers.
One trader said that trucks were banned, and roads were closed to prevent further collapses, while attempts are being made to repair the damage to the road. However, there are several obstacles, including a shortage of skilled engineers and high repair costs.
The road is 16 miles long and is of great importance to many residents as it connects to a trade route with Bangladesh. Currently, only small cars, motorcycles, and handcarts are allowed on the road.
Continuous heavy rains on Friday caused massive flooding in the northern town of Maungdaw, submerging 90% of agricultural fields and severely damaging the homes of Rohingya villagers.
Heavy rains in Maungdaw, Arakan state, western Myanmar, recently submerged villages, schools, and roads, and led to the deaths of two women who drowned after being swept away by floods.
Arakan state has been experiencing severe rains and flooding since May 26, inundating Rohingya homes and lands in Maungdaw. In June, several towns in Arakan, including Kyauktaw, experienced massive flooding due to heavy rains.
